The Evolution of Single Women on Screen: A Cultural Reflection
In the realm of television, the portrayal of single women in the 1960s and 1970s marked a significant shift, one that feels bold and groundbreaking even today. My personal journey, from a small-town high school to the halls of Vassar College, mirrors the cultural evolution of that era, where the mere discussion of a movie's themes and messages was a novel experience.
The Rise of Single Women in Popular Culture
The book "Those Girls: Single Women in Sixties and Seventies Popular Culture" by Katherine J. Lehman offers a fascinating insight into this era. From our modern perspective, where marriage is a choice and not a given, it's easy to forget that in 1960, only a small fraction of 30-year-old women were unmarried. This demographic shift, where the number of single people began to rise, was a seismic cultural event.
Lehman highlights how the mere presence of single women in leading roles on TV was a significant development. Producers initially doubted their ability to capture viewers' loyalty, but shows like "The Mary Tyler Moore Show" and "That Girl" proved them wrong. These shows, and many others, not only entertained but also reflected and shaped societal attitudes towards single women.
Redefining Single Life
The rise of single women on screen coincided with a broader cultural shift in the perception of single life. Concepts that we now take for granted, such as young adults living independently, pursuing intimate relationships outside marriage, and women entering traditionally male-dominated professions, were all revolutionary ideas back then. This era saw single women daring to challenge societal norms, advancing the cause of women's rights, and speaking out against assault.
The Complexity of Portrayals
Lehman's analysis of single women in movies and TV shows of that era reveals a complex narrative. Would these women find independence and success in the city, or would they face danger and despair? Would their pursuit of intimacy be glamorized or punished?
Shows like "The Bionic Woman" and "Charlie's Angels" offered different perspectives. While some critics mocked the characters' attire and actions, others admired them for embodying single women's strength and independence in male-dominated arenas. Lehman's conclusion is that these women, regardless of their feminist stance, were catalysts for social and political change.
A Sobering Reminder
"Mad Men", a popular TV series set in the early 1960s, serves as a reminder of the discrimination single women faced in their professional and personal lives before the rise of second-wave feminism. It's a sobering thought that singlism, the stereotyping and discrimination against single people, persists even today. Scholars of single life are now offering not just critiques but also enlightened advice on how to portray single characters in popular culture.
In conclusion, the portrayal of single women on TV in the 1960s and 1970s was more than just entertainment. It was a reflection of societal attitudes, a catalyst for change, and a reminder of how far we've come and how far we still have to go.
