Question

As you’ll read later in the semester, women’s access to higher education was limited until the second wave of feminism (in the 1960s and 1970s) led to legislation and judicial rulings giving women equal access to colleges and universities. However, just because coed campuses became the norm, women students weren’t treated the same as men students. You’ll probably be surprised to learn that colleges and universities had the legal right to stand in as parents to the women students, through “in loco parentis” regulations. These regulations were challenged through feminist activism (and defeated, of course!). But before this success, the majority of coed colleges and universities published handbooks for women students, detailing their expected behavior and punishments for violations. These weren’t just suggestions – but were enforced! I have spoken with FSU alumnae from the 1960s who told me stories about these rules, their efforts to get around them (like wearing raincoats and rolling up pants to hide the fact they were wearing pants!), and the overwhelming sense they had at the time that it was just "the way things were." A copy of FSU’s Handbook for Women Students from the 1960s is found in this week’s module. Read the handbook and then address the following questions in your discussion post: How did the handbook restrict women’s behavior? Which restrictions stood out the most to you? (20 points) How do the restrictions reflect prevailing ideas about women’s sexuality and about intimate relationships (for example, which were acceptable and who had power in them)? Why weren’t similar handbooks published for men (with similar regulations and punishments)? (30 points) Although FSU and other mainstream universities no longer have such handbooks, would you conclude that the social expectations regarding women’s behavior (especially around sexuality) that they reflected have disappeared? Why or why not? (30 points)

Answer 1

How did the handbook restrict women’s behavior? Which restrictions stood out the most to you?

The handbook for women students in the 1960s imposed various restrictions on their behavior. Some of the notable restrictions included:

1. Curfews: Women were expected to adhere to strict curfews, limiting their freedom to socialize or pursue activities outside designated hours.

2. Dress code: The handbook outlined specific dress regulations, requiring women to follow modest and conservative attire. Wearing pants was often prohibited, and skirts or dresses of a certain length were mandated.

3. Visitation rules: Women had limited visitation rights in residence halls, with strict guidelines regarding male visitors and overnight stays.

4. Behavior and conduct: The handbook emphasized proper behavior, decorum, and adherence to societal norms. It discouraged excessive socializing, public displays of affection, and any behavior deemed unladylike.

How do the restrictions reflect prevailing ideas about women’s sexuality and about intimate relationships?

The restrictions in the handbook reflect the prevailing ideas and societal norms of the time regarding women's sexuality and intimate relationships. They perpetuated the notion that women needed to be controlled and safeguarded, with their sexuality tightly regulated. The restrictions aimed to maintain women's purity, modesty, and adherence to traditional gender roles. By enforcing curfews, dress codes, and visitation rules, the handbook attempted to limit women's interactions with men and control their intimate relationships.

Why weren’t similar handbooks published for men?

The absence of similar handbooks for men can be attributed to the power dynamics and societal expectations surrounding gender roles at the time. Men were considered the dominant gender, with more freedom and autonomy. Society placed fewer restrictions on their behavior, especially when it came to sexuality and intimate relationships. Men were often seen as the initiators and holders of power in those relationships, while women were expected to adhere to societal expectations and follow the guidelines set for them.

Although FSU and other mainstream universities no longer have such handbooks, would you conclude that the social expectations regarding women’s behavior (especially around sexuality) that they reflected have disappeared?

While the explicit regulations outlined in these handbooks may have disappeared, it would be premature to conclude that the social expectations regarding women's behavior, particularly around sexuality, have completely vanished. Society continues to grapple with deep-rooted gender biases and double standards. Women still face pressure to conform to certain expectations and norms, and judgments regarding their sexuality persist. However, there has been progress in challenging and reshaping these expectations, thanks to feminist movements and increasing awareness of gender equality.

The journey towards true gender equality and the eradication of restrictive social expectations is ongoing. It requires continuous efforts to challenge and dismantle the patriarchal structures that shape our society.