Women in the 1920s: Limited Options Despite Progress

The 1920s are often remembered as a time of liberation for women, marked by flappers, jazz, and newfound freedoms. Yet for many—especially women in high society—true independence remained out of reach. While the 19th Amendment, passed in 1920, granted women the right to vote, social and economic limitations persisted, leaving most women dependent on their husbands and bound by traditional roles.

The Illusion of Independence: Flappers and the Modern Woman

Flappers, the rebellious young women of the era, became the icon of female freedom in the Roaring Twenties. With bobbed hair, shorter dresses, and carefree attitudes, they appeared to defy traditional gender roles. They flocked to jazz clubs, drove cars, and embraced a more visible social presence.

However, their rebellion was often more about consumerism and style than real feminist change. Many young women enjoyed the thrill of modern life but did not push for political or workplace rights. This created a generational divide—young women embraced the fun of the era, while older women continued to fight for deeper social reforms.

Trapped by Tradition: High Society Women and Marriage

Despite the era’s exciting social changes, marriage remained a rigid institution, especially for wealthy women.

A working wife suggested financial instability, so elite women were discouraged from pursuing careers. This left them entirely financially dependent on their husbands, making them especially vulnerable to mistreatment or unhappy marriages.

Divorce was technically legal, but it carried immense social stigma. A divorced woman risked losing her reputation, social standing, and financial security. As a result, many women endured unhappy—even abusive—marriages rather than face public disgrace.

Education and Careers: Limited Opportunities

While education for women improved in the early 20th century, true professional advancement remained rare.

• In 1920, 47% of college students were women, yet societal expectations pushed them back into domestic roles after marriage.

• Medical schools allocated only 5% of spots to women, reflecting institutional barriers.

• Women who did work were largely confined to low-paying jobs with little room for advancement.

Despite the number of working women increasing by two million in the 1920s, they still made up only 24% of the workforce. Employers and male-dominated unions resisted fair wages and workplace improvements, reinforcing the belief that a woman’s job was temporary—only until marriage.

This trend deepened after World War I, when returning soldiers reclaimed jobs and women were pushed back into domestic roles. The Great Depression further reinforced the idea that women should stay at home rather than compete for jobs.

Politics and Power: A Movement in Decline

Although the 1920s saw some women break political barriers, these figures were exceptions, not the rule.

• Nellie Tayloe Ross of Wyoming became the first female governor in the US (1924).

• Bertha Knight Landes was elected the first female mayor of Seattle (1926).

Yet for the majority, politics was not a priority. The feminist movement weakened as many young women focused more on personal enjoyment than activism.

The Reality Behind the Roar

Despite the glamor and excitement of the Roaring Twenties, the reality for women—particularly in high society—was one of restricted choices and dependency. Marriage remained the defining factor in a woman’s life, and divorce carried immense consequences.

While the decade introduced new freedoms, true gender equality in marriage, work, and society remained out of reach.