Two aspects that helped the position of American women.

The Right to Vote (1920)

One of the most monumental gains that improved the status of American women, was the campaigning of and gaining the right to vote. The right to vote is fundamental to any American. From the roots of American democracy, it was campaigned that it was their Constitutional right.

In context, the first gathering for the campaign for women’s rights was 19^th-20^th July 1848, Seneca Falls, New York. Around 100 people attended this small gathering. What was important about this was how Elizabeth Cady Stanton, an ordinary American mother, had drafted the “Declaration of Sentiments, Grievances and Resolutions”. Within this, she  highlighted the original Constitution, and the line of “We hold these truths to be self-evident: that all men and women are created equal”. From this, we can identify how the movement gained a lot of their foundations from the American Constitution, to help their cause.

The suffrage movement progressed from this meeting. Stanton and Susan B. Anthony created the National Women’s Suffrage Association (NWSA) aimed at changing Federal Law and opposing the 15^th Amendment; which was not inclusive for women. This was an Association that remained at the forefront of the suffrage movement, alongside the American Women’s Suffrage Association (AWSA).

From the 1880-90s there was a turning point and a surge of ‘volunteerism’. The movement began to gain more supporters and caught the attention from trade unionists, Christian unions and National Leagues.

After further struggle that followed through the 19^th and 20^th Centuries, the women’s right to vote was granted in 1920. This was a huge improvement for the political status of women. This is because they had a permanent place in society, where they could voice their political opinions outside of the household.

Marital Rape Law

A further aspect that helped improve the socio-political position of women, was the changes within marital rights in the late 20^th Century. Prior to 1993, it was not a crime if you were raped within a marriage. This was to protect women who were victims of domestic violence. In 1993, this was identified in at least 1 section of the sexual offences codes in all 50 states.

However, what proved controversial about this improvement was how some states later edited it. By 1996, about 16 states had completely repealed, and a further 33 states had partially repealed it.

Therefore, while this was an improvement in the social position of women, and gave them the legislation to take a legal stand against this form of domestic violence; it did face backlash and changes later.

Sources:

http://history.house.gov/Exhibitions-and-Publications/WIC/Historical-Essays/No-Lady/Womens-Rights/

http://www.marieclaire.com/politics/news/a10569/things-women-couldnt-do-1920/

https://www.ncjrs.gov/App/publications/abstract.aspx?ID=201457