The Creation of a New Woman
The image of women was remarkably changed during the Roaring
20s, also known as the Jazz Age, and molded into the “modern woman.” Women
became more free, independent, and behaved more like men than ever before.
These changing attitudes were reflected in the dress of woman. Jazz was the big
music of the time, so what was danced to. Dance was the new favorite past-time
of the Roaring Twenties and one of the most liberating activities. All the
cultural and moral changes stemmed from this idea of liberation. These changes
were only the beginning of new-found freedom.
So the question stands, how did this spark get lit? Pre-WWI
women really did not date, they would wait for a suitable man to marry. A
generation of young men were killed at war leaving a lonely generation of
single young women back at home. They decided they didn’t want to waste their
lives and that they should enjoy it. A new fast-paced lifestyle emerged and
with that a new kind of woman.
Women referred to as flappers emerged. They are most
recognized by their fringed flapper gowns and feathered headbands. Flappers
were all kinds of rebellious and reckless. They wore shorter skirts, make-up
which was only for loose women. They drank alcohol during the prohibition and
they smoked which was for men. Ford developed the car in this time period which
fit perfectly. They were fast and dangerous. With the new ability to drive
away, backseat “petting” and petting parties came about. This was more sexual
activity than previously accepted. A new standard was being set. Flappers were
popularized by Fitzgerald’s The Great
Gatsby.
Jazz music was big at this time and with that, more dancing
developed which fit right in with the new fast paced lifestyle women were
embracing. Dances like the Charleston, cake-walk, turkey trot, black bottom,
and bunny hug were popular. The increased sexual activity wasn’t only at petting
parties. It was also evident in dance. It became common to have closer body
contact while dancing. Jazz music was especially important here because it was so romantic.
Due to their more active lives, women wanted more “free”
clothes. Low wasted dresses with full hemlines allowed them to literally kick
up their heels as was necessary in the Charleston. Corsets were abandoned and
they would flatten their chests. Often they would cut their hair off into a
bob. It became acceptable to show their knees. These things were liberating for
women bringing a sense of independence.
Women had placed value on the social and economic benefits
of marrying, often determining who they would marry. Their self-worth really
wasn’t considered. As they became more independent, their view of themselves
was altered. They found more self-worth. Ironically as woman became more “scandalous”
and “loose” they developed a greater sense of worth for themselves. Love became
more important than just money or social standing.
Sources:
O'Meally,
Robert G. "Jazz Music in Motion: Dancers and Big Bands." The Jazz Cadence of American Culture. New York:
Columbia UP, 1998. N. pag. Print.
Doan,
Laura. "Feminist Studies." Feminist Studies. 24.3 (1998): 663.
Print.
