Final answer:
Changes to women's legal status were geared towards improving their rights, not restricting them. Historical movements and legislation like the Civil Rights Act of 1964 aimed to grant women more legal rights and equality. The continuous struggle also reflected in societal expectations embodied the conflict between traditional and modern standards.
Step-by-step explanation:
The changes for women were made to improve their legal status. By analyzing the historical context, it's evident that the efforts of women's rights movements and changes in legislation generally aimed to grant women more legal rights (Option A). For instance, the founding goals of the National Organization for Women (NOW) included gaining equal rights for women, ensuring the passage of the Equal Rights Amendment, and allowing women to participate fully in American life. These goals indicate a direction toward improving the status and rights of women, not restricting them.
As society evolved, especially during the 20th century, women's legal status saw significant advancements. Landmark legislation like the Civil Rights Act of 1964 prohibited discrimination based on sex as well as race, origin, and religion. This acted as a key provision in improving women's legal rights. Moreover, the struggle of women to integrate into roles traditionally held by men, such as in the military and workforce, reflects their fight to break free from the confinements of traditional roles.
Despite such progress, the broader struggle between traditional and modern societal and cultural standards often resulted in a double standard for women. These standards were especially evident in differing societal expectations regarding women's roles during and after significant events like World Wars, where women were expected to return to traditional roles once the conflicts ended.