[psychphysic]

That's at least a tertiary factor in "freeing" women.

1. The creation of domestic appliances that dramatically shorten house hold chores (washing clothing is a main one).

2. The move from the bulk of work labour being less physical.

Both meant there was less time needed to maintain a household, previously that was a full time job that seemed unpaid. And that women had suitable roles available in the work force where as manual labour would mean they likely couldn't compete with men for employment.

While society gained extra productivity from these changes, it's debatable if households gained financially as it was likely a powerful force in the mid century inflation.

I'd place centralised schooling in that list of things which freed up more labour. Contraceptives are recognised for this too, and I'm sure it lead to a sexual liberation at least.

[concordDance]

Indeed. A household with a single wage earner will have a lot more free time. Its not just cleaning and cooking, it's paying bills, organising holidays, going shopping, arranging events/parties, socialising with neighbours, taking kids places, birthday cards/presents, keeping up with local council issues to be able to vote sensibly... the list goes on.

Honestly, given where the productivity gains of women in the workforce went (not to the actual workers), we'd probably have a better quality of life if only half the household adults worked.

[throwntoday]

Wages stagnate when there are an abundance of workers and a shortage of jobs. Corporations don't care about empowerment of women they care about keeping wages down across the board.

It's why they were offering women several thousand dollars in reimbursements to travel for an abortion. Those employers were unwilling to provide the same amount to women who wanted to keep their baby.

[learnedSloth]

> they were offering women several thousand dollars in reimbursements to travel for an abortion.

Isn't that contract killing now?

Edit: Thanks for downvoting a honest question!

[psychphysic]

Good question really, I suppose it depends if having had an abortion is a crime. I've only peripherally followed the news but i think some places do want to make it a crime.