Flappers

Definition

Flappers were young women in the 1920s who embraced a lifestyle that rejected traditional norms of femininity and sought greater independence and freedom. Characterized by their distinctive fashion, such as short skirts, bobbed hair, and bold makeup, flappers symbolized the social changes occurring in society, challenging conventional roles and expectations placed on women.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Flappers were known for their defiance of traditional gender norms, often smoking, drinking alcohol, and dancing in clubs, which was considered scandalous at the time.
2. The flapper movement was closely associated with the rise of the modern woman who sought economic independence through employment and education.
3. Fashion played a crucial role in the flapper identity, with iconic elements including cloche hats, loose-fitting dresses that often featured fringe or sequins, and accessories like long pearl necklaces.
4. Flappers often frequented jazz clubs and social gatherings, contributing to the popularity of jazz music as a symbol of the cultural shifts occurring in America during the 1920s.
5. While flappers represented a significant change in women's social roles, they were also subject to criticism and backlash from more conservative elements of society who viewed them as morally questionable.

Review Questions

• How did flappers challenge traditional gender roles and what social changes did they represent during their time?
  • Flappers challenged traditional gender roles by openly defying societal expectations of femininity through their fashion choices and behaviors. They embraced activities like smoking, drinking, and dancing in public spaces that were once reserved for men. This represented a broader social change where women sought greater independence and autonomy, reflecting the evolving attitudes towards gender equality and women's rights during the early 20th century.
• Discuss how the flapper movement intersected with the suffrage movement and its impact on women's rights in America.
  • The flapper movement emerged shortly after women gained the right to vote with the passage of the 19th Amendment in 1920. Flappers not only celebrated this newfound political power but also embodied the spirit of liberation that came with it. Their rejection of conservative values and pursuit of personal freedom highlighted the changing dynamics of women's rights in America, reinforcing the idea that suffrage was just one aspect of a broader quest for equality and self-expression.
• Evaluate the cultural significance of flappers in relation to Prohibition and how they influenced American society during the 1920s.
  • Flappers played a culturally significant role during Prohibition by representing rebellion against restrictive social norms and laws. Their frequenting of speakeasies—illegal bars where alcohol was served—demonstrated their defiance against Prohibition laws while also popularizing jazz culture. This influence helped shape a new urban culture in America that embraced modernity and freedom of expression, ultimately impacting future generations' views on gender roles and personal liberties.

Related terms

Suffrage:

The right to vote in political elections, which was a significant issue for women in the early 20th century, culminating in the 19th Amendment in 1920.

Prohibition: A nationwide constitutional ban on the production, importation, transportation, and sale of alcoholic beverages from 1920 to 1933, which flappers often challenged through underground speakeasies.

Jazz Age: A term used to describe the cultural period of the 1920s characterized by the popularity of jazz music and dance, which flappers actively participated in and helped popularize.