Modernism's Lab: the New Woman [1.28]

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 Continuing on the theme of change and modernity, this episode focuses on the evolution of gender expectations across the beginning of the Twentieth Century. In particular the episode charts the emergence of the "New Woman," who began to behave in more masculine ways than her Victorian auntie: she was slender and athletic, was openly sexual, and lived for her own pleasure rather than the needs of her family. Most importantly, she also became a powerful consumer, frequenting department stores to buy things she wanted and to be attended to by men. The episode ends with a brief discussion of the fashion designer Coco Chanel, who in so many ways embodied this new ideal of femininity. Topics covered include: Intro (0:50), Victorian ideals of gender (17:12), the first feminists (26:36), the impact of the Great War (37:04), postwar political victories (51:27), woman as consumer (59:28), changes to marriage (1:06:44), and sexual behavior (1:14:57), and lastly Coco Chanel (1:24:37).

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