Women's Rights & Social Change · Term 3

Women in the Workforce & Pay Equity

Tracing the changing role of women in the Canadian workforce and issues of pay equity.

About This Topic

Second-wave feminism in Canada, roughly from the 1960s to the 1980s, focused on a wide range of issues beyond the vote, including reproductive rights, workplace equality, and violence against women. A key milestone was the 1970 Royal Commission on the Status of Women, which provided a comprehensive look at the challenges faced by women and made 167 recommendations for change. Students examine how this report led to new laws on equal pay, maternity leave, and the creation of the Canadian Advisory Council on the Status of Women.

The curriculum also covers the fight for reproductive rights, including the impact of the 'pill' and the landmark 1988 Morgentaler decision, which struck down Canada's restrictive abortion law. This topic explores how the movement became more diverse and assertive, challenging traditional gender roles and demanding systemic change. This topic benefits from analyzing primary sources like the Royal Commission report and structured debates about the goals of the movement. Students grasp the scale of the social shift faster through peer-led discussions and by investigating the lasting impact of second-wave feminism on Canadian society.

Active Learning Ideas

Inquiry Circle: The 1970 Royal Commission

In small groups, students analyze a selection of the 167 recommendations from the Royal Commission on the Status of Women. They identify which recommendations have been fulfilled and which issues (like affordable childcare) remain ongoing challenges today.

⏱ 45 min·Small Groups

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Formal Debate: The Impact of the 'Pill'

Students debate how the introduction of the birth control pill in the 1960s changed women's lives in terms of education, career, and family planning. They discuss the social and economic consequences of women having more control over their reproductive lives.

⏱ 45 min·Whole Class

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Think-Pair-Share: The Morgentaler Case

Students read about Dr. Henry Morgentaler's long legal battle for abortion rights. They discuss with a partner the significance of the 1988 Supreme Court decision and how it reflected the changing values of Canadian society regarding women's autonomy.

⏱ 25 min·Pairs

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Watch Out for These Misconceptions

Common Misconception

Second-wave feminism was only about 'bra-burning.'

What to Teach Instead

While the media often focused on sensational protests, the movement was primarily about serious policy changes in law, economics, and health. Peer research into the 'policy wins' of the era helps students see the substantive and lasting impact of the movement.

Common Misconception

The movement was united and represented all women equally.

What to Teach Instead

Second-wave feminism was often criticized for focusing on the needs of middle-class white women, sometimes ignoring the specific challenges faced by Indigenous, Black, and immigrant women. Using an 'Intersectional Perspectives' analysis helps students see the internal debates and the growth of the movement.

Frequently Asked Questions

What was the Royal Commission on the Status of Women?

It was a landmark inquiry established in 1967 to investigate the situation of women in Canada and to recommend steps to ensure their equality. Its 1970 report was a blueprint for social and legal reform for decades to follow.

What were the main goals of second-wave feminism in Canada?

The movement sought to achieve equality in all areas of life, including equal pay for work of equal value, access to birth control and abortion, an end to violence against women, and better representation in politics and business.

Who was Henry Morgentaler?

He was a physician and activist who spent decades fighting for the right to safe and legal abortion in Canada. His legal challenges eventually led to the 1988 Supreme Court decision that struck down the existing abortion law as unconstitutional.

How can active learning help students understand second-wave feminism?

Active learning strategies, such as investigating the Royal Commission's recommendations and debating the impact of reproductive rights, help students understand the systemic and personal dimensions of the movement. By engaging with the challenges and the successes of the era, students move beyond seeing feminism as just a 'topic' to seeing it as a powerful force for social change. This hands-on approach fosters a deeper understanding of the ongoing struggle for gender equality.

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