Gender in History of California - Term Paper Example

Gender in History of California The right to work and discrimination against women are among issues that faced women in the late 1920s. Earlier on, there were legislations enacted meant to protect women against inequality in the workplace. Women trade unionists agreed that these protective legislations provided material benefits. However, the legislations reinforced malicious thinking about women as “inferior and undesirable workers who deviated from the domestic ideal, notions that circumscribed their employment opportunities and placed them at the mercy of government largesse” (Cherny, Irwin and Wilson 264).

In the 1920s, the women workers enjoyed improved working conditions, protection by the state, limitations on the hours of work, and higher wages. However, the enforcement was irregular, the commission permitted many exclusions and modifications, and the interpretation of the regulations regularly favored the employers (Cherny, Irwin, and Wilson 272). The current laws are very clear on issues such as gender discrimination in the workplace. In 2011, the California State Assembly passes the Gender Nondiscrimination Act, which bans discrimination based on gender expression and identity.

There are laws in place that protect against gender discrimination but the aim of this law is to broaden the definitions of gender discrimination and gender in the state laws (Grady & Associates 1).In conclusion, discrimination against a particular gender (mostly women) is something that has been happening for many years. Despite the fact that laws have been enacted to protect them, the same laws have favored the employers and commissions. Women have enjoyed almost all the workers’ rights and privileges but they are still viewed as inferior and unwanted workers.

However, the trend has changed in the past years with the passing of several laws meant to broaden the definitions of gender discrimination and gender. Works CitedCherny, R. W., Irwin, M. A. & Wilson, A. M. California Women and Politics: From the Gold Rush to the Great Depression. Lincoln, NE: University of Nebraska Press, 2011. Print.Grady & Associates. California State Assembly passes Gender Nondiscrimination Act. Grady & Associates Attorneys at Law, 18 May 2011. Web. 13 Dec. 2011.