preview

Equal Franchise Act Of 1928 Essay

Decent Essays

The Equal Franchise Act of 1928 is a significant turning point in the changing role and status of women. The passing of the act granted women the same voting rights as men, and brought a fairer representation of all British society; around five million women over the age of 21 were entitled to vote, regardless of class background. The Government was noticeably aware of the declining number of male voters in Britain during the First World War. The significant number of women who now owned property after the war changed the Government’s view on the status of women. Despite the act appearing as more essential than deserved, it supports the changing views on women and their status. The voting public supported the position of women standing as …show more content…

The Employment of Women and young Persons Act of 1936 focused on establishing shift-work at suitable wages for female workers. Though the appointed committee only included two women, it demonstrates the changing developments Government upheld after the Equal Franchise Act. Despite the political status of women developing, the role of women in society was limited. Most women in paid employment were divided as they continued to be paid less than half of what male workers earned; for example, female Civil Servants were paid 75% less than man, supporting the claim that Government was more firm to keep women in a suitable position that wouldn’t affect long-running conditions. However, this division was resolved, narrowly, with the 1936 Equal Pay in the Civil Service Act. This shows the lack of immediacy with the Equal Franchise Act and the conservative mind-set of the politicians who were in Government. Similarly, despite being able to run as MPs following the Sex Disqualification Removal Act, women in the Government were not considered to be a suitable

Get Access