Please enable JavaScript.
Coggle requires JavaScript to display documents.
the end of the PWC 1970-79 - Coggle Diagram
the end of the PWC 1970-79
Society in the 1970's
Feminism
The 1970s was a high point for second wave feminism. This was moving that had support across the world as can be seen in the inauguration of international Women's Day by the United nations in 1977. The rising women's liberation groups and one group held demonstrations in London Liverpool demanding equal pay for women and free 24 hour nurseries. However feminism had split ideologies there was radical feminists and socialist feminists, radical feminists believe that women were oppressed by the patriarchal society and campaign particularly on issues such as reproductive rights e.g. abortion. socialist feminist they campaigned on issues that would enable women to achieve financial independence. Progress was made in achieving reproductive rights The birth control pill came available on the NHS in 1971 and the first Rape Crisis centre opened in 1976 also in this year the domestic violent act was passed
Race and immigration
by 1974 over 1 million immigrants had come to Britain. These immigrants tend to settle in the same places. despite the strict rules, race relations tended to be an issue. in 1976 the labour government tried to implement another race relations act. the national front became very active in some part of London especially where the immigrants had settled such as Brick Lane in Southall. although it never won any elections its popularity grew a lot. the growth of the National Front indicated lots of concern about immigration so the conservative party announced they would toughen up the immigration policy to limit the number of immigrants coming to Britain.
some National Front tactics with a hold marches particularly in areas where there were high level of immigrants living. These were often provocative and would mark violence. between January 1976 and August 1978 assaults and robberies of Asians and African Americans rose by 1/3. Immigrants had a lot of distrust towards the police due to their treatment young black people often felt that the police were harassing them unnecessarily tensions were often apparent at events such as Notting Hill Carnival where there was a riot and over 300 people were injured. lots of black football players also faced racism from fans
youth
Another youth subculture that developed was skinheads which developed from the mod culture at the end of the 1960s. skinheads tended to be working class and although they were a political by the end of the 1970s some skinheads were becoming increasingly linked to the National Front and football hooliganism.
Youth culture in the 70s continued to concern the older generations. in many ways youth subculture is reflected the societal political and economic battles going on elsewhere. in 1975 to 76 the punk movement started it was influenced by bands from from USA who projected commercialism. punk philosophy rejected the hippie coach that had gone before and embraced a DIY attitude.
The sex discrimination act
This was passed in 1975 and it was set to end discriminated based on someones gender and marital status. the equal pay act came into force the same year and the Employment protection act introduced maternity leave and outlawed dismissal on the grounds of pregnancy. however there were still inequalities; trade unions were still dominated by men. but women's wages did go up from 59% to 70% by 1977
environmentalism
Environmentalism was a philosophy that covers a multitude of topics such as industrial pollution protection of wildlife organic farming and dangers from radiation and nuclear waste. Ecology entered the vocabulary defining the health of the natural environment. in 1970 it was announced to be the year of European conservation. Lots of environmental pressure groups were created such as ‘friends of the earth' the CND had been protesting against atomic weapons a new form of anti nuclear protesting happened against the use of nuclear power to generate electricity because of the long term dangers in dealing with radioactive nuclear waste and the potential for accidents. Greenpeace was founded in 1977. animal right protesters carried out violently attacks on pharmaceutical laboratories after finding out about the study using beagles and cigarettes. the animal Liberation Front formed in 1976 adopted very extreme violence. Such as letter bombing Margaret thatcher in 1984
Labour governments of Wilson and Callaghan
Economic problems and policies
1974-76 The first major problem was a surge in inflation due to a Rush in large wage increase. In 1975 Dennis Healey made a speech saying that the wage inflation caused unemployment that it was vital to control public spending. in 1975 healy's budget imposed steep rises in taxation and public spending was cut. the national enterprise board was also set up in 1974 to administer the government share holdings in private companies. while the NEB’s aim was to increase investment in 1975 its effectiveness was being questioned. The government's decision to nationalise the failing car manufacturer caused renewed controversy about the government role in rescuing lame duck industries. it also became apparent that the social construct was not limiting wage demands. Harold Wilson suddenly resigned as the leader of the Labour Party in 1976.
political problems and policies
Wilson successor was James Callaghan he had a long experience and good links to the unions. in September 1976 Callaghan gave a speech to the Labour Party where he won the party that the cosy world whereby the government could ensure full employment was gone. productivity would need to improve to avoid what he called the twin evils of unemployment and inflation. he made this speech to prepare labour for the fact that the government was planning to apply for an emergency loan from the IMF. in December they received a loan of £3 billion so the government help to make big spending cuts Callahan handled the IMF crisis well and the economy recovered By 1978 the economic situation did begin to improve as the North Sea oil came onstream there were nine oil fields in production and inflation rises fell to 10%
industrial probelms and polcies
1974 to 76 when labour came into government Wilson quickly acted he wanted to show that the Labour Party was going to work with the trade unions. in 1973 he had negotiated the social contracts with the trade union Congress. The trade unions were sent a message that the government did not want any confrontations. he quickly reached an agreement with the National Union of miners allowing motion to end the state of emergency on the three day week. Denis Healey issue two budgets first in March and then in July both aiming to deal with the economic crisis without annoying the unions.
devolution
By 1977 the labour majority in the House of Commons had disappeared so Callahan strengthened the government by making the Lib-lab pact. With this he was able to defeat a vote of no confidence table in the conservative party. The deal meant that Callahan had to go ahead with devolution there were lengthy debates in parliament but eventually in 1978 devolution acts for Scotland and Wales were passed opening the way for referendums. the referendums were held in March of 1979. the vote in Wales was against evolution and in Scotland more people voted in favour of devolution than against it but the rules stating that a simple majority was not enough meant that devolution was defeated. the disappointed Scottish national list withdrew their support from the Labour Party.
winter of discontent
In the autumn of 1976 the TUC rejected the labour governments proposed wage increase limit of 5%. this encouraged the trade unions to put in higher demands. the wave of industrial actions included disruption to transport through strikes by lorry drivers and train drivers’ unions. there was a shocking outrage in reaction to strikes by public sector workers such as hospital porters and clerical staff in local councils and above all by dustmen and grave diggers. The industrial unrest in the winter of 197879 was not a serious challenge to the government the disputes were only to the end in March of 1977 and the average pay increase achieved was 10% but the psychological effects of the winter of discontent had devastating impacts on the public mood.