The women most crucial to the feminist movement that emerged in the 1960's arrived at their commitment and consciousness in response to the unexpected and often shattering experience of having their work minimized, even disregarded, by the men they considered to be their colleagues and fellow crusaders in the civil rights and radical New Left movements. On the basis of years of research, interviews with dozens of the central figures, and her own personal experience, Evans explores how the political stance (...) of these women was catalyzed and shaped by their sharp disillusionment at a time when their skills as political activists were newly and highly developed, enabling them to join forces to support their own cause. (shrink)

Examines the conditions for working women at the turn of the century, the feminist movement of the twenties, and the effect of the Great Depression on American working women.

Balser examines the Working Women's Assc. of 1868, Union WAGE of the 1970s, and the Coalition of Labor Union Women to answer questions about organizing around gender and work issues.