By Jessica Gross via Unigo Staff
Throughout the first half of the twentieth century, women in America, particularly those from middle- and upper-class backgrounds, were expected to fulfill traditional roles as wives and mothers. Limited career options were available to them, and women’s colleges, often the only private higher education option, focused on preparing their attendees for these roles. The emphasis was on training women to be wives, mothers, and professionals within restricted spheres. However, the 1960s and 1970s witnessed significant shifts in cultural perceptions and higher education, thanks to the second-wave feminism movement. The norms that prevailed before the 1960s have been turned upside down, with women now outnumbering men at many coed universities. Women’s colleges, a smaller subset of the private college world, have adapted to this changing landscape, embracing empowerment and idealism. The focus has shifted from preparing women for family life to preparing them to make a difference in the world.
The Transformation of Women’s Education
During the 1960s and 1970s, a wave of women’s rights advocacy led to significant changes in American politics and culture. Milestones such as the approval of birth control pills by the FDA in 1960, the passing of the Equal Pay Act in 1963, the establishment of the National Organization for Women in 1966, and the ratification of Title IX in 1972, which prohibits sex discrimination in schools, pushed women to fight for admission to prestigious colleges, including the Ivy League schools. As a result, not only did women gain access to top men’s colleges, but they also catalyzed a shift in private higher education towards coeducation. Consequently, many private women s colleges either closed or began admitting men. According to Heather Geraci’s research presented at the 2005 American Sociological Association meeting, the number of women’s colleges decreased from 230 in 1970 to 63 in 2000.
The Traditional Role of Women’s Colleges
Before the cultural shift of the 1960s and 1970s, the prevailing cultural expectation was that white, middle- and upper-class women would marry and become homemakers, instilling moral values in their children. Women’s colleges aimed to produce graduates with the necessary skills for these roles. Many students entered women’s colleges with the dual goals of finding husbands at neighboring men’s schools and acquiring the skills required for successful motherhood. Dating between female and male students was encouraged, as women’s colleges were often located near all-men’s schools. For example, Barnard College’s 1936-1937 Blue Book included 12 formal Dances in its social calendar.
The Changing Landscape of Women’s Colleges
With the societal transformations of the 1960s and 1970s, the purpose and identity of womens colleges underwent significant changes. Today, women participate in educational and professional realms previously restricted to men, and attending a women’s college is a matter of choice rather than necessity. Modern women’s colleges focus on nurturing, mentoring, and providing a non-traditional environment that inspires confidence and idealism in their students. They aim to shape well-rounded individuals who are not only knowledgeable but also driven to make a positive impact on the world.
Women’s Colleges: Inspiring Confidence and Idealism
Women’s colleges today distinguish themselves from coeducational institutions through their educational missions and the experiences they offer. These colleges emphasize the development of self-confidence and a sense of purpose in their students. Unlike coed institutions, which often prioritize academic achievements, women’s colleges focus on providing an environment that fosters personal growth,
intellectual curiosity, and leadership skills. They create a supportive community where women can explore their interests, develop their voices, and challenge societal norms.
One key aspect of women’s colleges is the strong mentorship and guidance provided to students. Faculty members, who are predominantly women, serve as role models and mentors, empowering students to pursue their passions and excel academically. The small class sizes and close-knit communities foster meaningful connections between students and faculty, creating an environment conducive to personal and intellectual growth.
Women’s colleges also prioritize the inclusion of women in traditionally male-dominated fields, such as STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics). They offer specialized programs, scholarships, and resources to encourage women to pursue careers in these fields and overcome the gender gap. Additionally, women’s colleges often have strong alumnae networks that provide valuable networking and career opportunities for graduates.
Another distinguishing feature of women’s colleges is the emphasis on social justice and community engagement. Many women’s colleges have a long history of activism and social change, and they continue to instill in their students a commitment to making a difference in the world. Through community service initiatives, internships, and research opportunities, women’s colleges encourage students to apply their knowledge and skills to address pressing social issues and work towards equality and justice.
Women’s colleges also celebrate and prioritize women’s voices and perspectives. They create a space where women can freely express themselves, challenge gender stereotypes, and engage in meaningful dialogue. This environment allows for a more inclusive and equitable educational experience, empowering women to become leaders and change-makers in their chosen fields.
Conclusion
Women’s colleges have undergone significant transformations over the past century. From initially preparing women for traditional roles as wives and mothers, they have evolved to become institutions that inspire confidence, foster intellectual curiosity, and promote social change. Women’s colleges today provide a unique and empowering educational experience, encouraging women to pursue their passions, challenge societal norms, and make a positive impact on the world.