The changing gender norms in the 1970s and 80s

Free The Nip!

Another fascinating revelation emerges from groups dedicated to advocating for women’s rights, particularly the Nursing Mothers Association. Initially perceived as a conventional mothers’ group, a deeper exploration uncovers sobering truths about censorship restrictions concerning women and their bodies. The Nursing Mothers Association was established during an era when the use of words like ‘breast,’ ‘nipple,’ ‘breastfeeding,’ or even ‘pregnant’ was prohibited in print or on the radio.

The women who created this organisation displayed resourcefulness in navigating these stringent regulations. It is astonishing, especially from a contemporary perspective, that such censorship was enforced. Although there remains substantial progress to be made in the realm of gender equality, it is undeniably fascinating to observe how significantly the landscape has evolved over the past fifty years, particularly with regard to the representation and discussion of women’s bodies in the media. 

The Good Housewives

Did you know there was a community group known as the Housewives Association. It was active from 1915 until its dissolution in 2013. The association established branches in every state and primarily focused on issues related to cooking, nutrition, and the cost of living. Surprisingly, they played a significant role in advocating for consumer rights, lobbying governments regarding the cost of living, and campaigning for improvements in women’s status. Grassroots community organisations from the 1970s and 1980s such as the Housewives Association reveal the values, concerns, and possibilities of their time. However, some of their names may come across as surprising, astonishing, or even disconcerting…

Single, Ready to Mingle and Change Policy

Many of the groups we researched underscore the considerable positive changes that have occurred since the 1970s and 1980s. However, there are also instances of groups that have been surprisingly ahead of their time. For instance, the Parents Without Partners organisation served as a social group for single parents while simultaneously advocating for educational reforms. During an era when being a single parent family  was far from the norm, they formed a united and proud community dedicated to safeguarding their children’s interests. This particular group is a noteworthy example for its forward-thinking approach.

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