How The 1920's Reactions To Flappers

During the Roaring Twenties, people had many different reactions to flappers. To some, the flapper portrayed a magnificent breakthrough for women; for others it was a curse word, an embarrassment to society. Before and continuing into the 1920s, the Victorian era was at its peak. The older Victorian generation was described as “prudish, hypocritical, stuffy, [and] narrow-minded,” which is why many thought that they hated the flapper (Murfin 496). They were not able to accept the change coming after World War I. Many wanted to go back to how things were before the war. However, there was nothing to be done to stop the movement. The flapper brought many changes to women and society. For example, the way women dressed changed dramatically.They …show more content…
Women were unable to participate in anything before World War 1 because of their confining clothing. However, new businesses sprang up, and there soon there were “automobiles to drive, films to see, and jazz music to dance to”(“Flappers”). Young girls were not content to stay at home and “[bind] themselves into[...] layers of clothing” (“Flappers”).Despite that, society disregarded women's wishes and demanded that young ladies follow Victorian morals, and do what was expected of them. Also, the etiquette of the 1920’s forbid women from wearing revealing clothing and putting on makeup. At the time, such things were tied to prostitution, immodesty, and attempts to get the attention of men. Despite all of the strong objection, the ‘creation’ of the flapper after the war changed fashion …show more content…
Even so, it cost a lot of money to be a well dressed flapper, and not many were left rich after World War 1. For that reason, young ladies wanted jobs so that they wouldn’t be left out. Also, flappers gave “the new prototype of single women [..] positive ramifications, giving women license to work and play alongside men”(Hatton). Flapper women did this by beginning to work outside of the home, and in turn defying the traditional and maternal roles of women in society. They proved themselves intelligent and confident Even though young ladies were not going to work in the jobs that they occupied when the men were at war, they were still elated that they were able to support themselves without depending on someone. Many went to work in “women’s professions” such as nurses, teachers, librarians, secretaries, etc. Even working men started to accept that young women played a big role in businesses and the working community. Flappers of the Roaring Twenties had a big part in opening job opportunities, and redefining the stereotype about working