Arts and Humanities Commons^™

The Historical Influence Of Politics And Society On Women's Experiences Of Abortion, Sandra Ruth Schumacher

Theses and Dissertations

One out of every three women in the United States will experience abortion (Guttmacher Institute, 2008). The purposes of this feminist qualitative research were to: 1) examine historically the context of legal abortion in the United States, 2) describe and explore women's experiences of abortion and 3) better understand the historical impact of the sociopolitical climate on women's perceptions of their abortion experiences. An historical review of political, legislative, and social contexts surrounding legal abortion revealed an increasingly hostile environment toward women seeking abortion since 1973. By challenging existing abortion laws in state and federal courts, anti-abortion legislators have removed …

Toward Collective Liberation: The Rise And Fall Of Anti-Sweatshop Activism In The United States, Beth Robinson

Theses and Dissertations

This dissertation examines the ebb and flow between the purveyors of sweatshops and their activist opponents. I identify three different moments in the 20th century when activists succeeded in creating a mainstream movement to fight for worker justice by applying pressure to industry, consumers, and lawmakers. During the late Progressive Era, Great Depression, and neoliberal era, cross-class alliances formed to challenge capital's desire to maximize their profits. The solidarity demonstrated by these alliances provides important examples of the power that consumers hold when using market-based activism against business interests.

By examining the solidarity movements and their subsequent backlash, I aim …

Building Morale In A Soldier Town: Home Front Women And The Gi In Columbia, South Carolina, 1941-1945, Jessica Kathleen Childress

Theses and Dissertations

As the United States mobilized for war in 1941, cities and towns across America, especially those closest to military bases, were faced with an unprecedented influx of soldiers, airmen, and sailors. To cope with these waves of servicemen in their off-duty hours, particularly to provide for wholesome entertainment and lessen the emotional weight of wartime, Columbia, South Carolina solicited participation in morale-building programs from its residents. Community leaders recognized their responsibility for funding programs and providing buildings to meet the soldiers' recreational needs, but they relied on women's organizations and female students to build morale through meaningful social interactions with …