Why Is The Rpa Important

The Representation of the People Act (RPA) of 1918 finally gave women the right to vote in Great Britain though women had to be over 30 and own or rent at least a small property. A turning point in every aspect of women’s lives; politically, economically, and socially, it changed women’s role and status, levelling the playing field and opening doors to further legislation to increase equality and abolish oppressive traditions. Obviously there are other events and factors which contributed to the movement towards sex equality, like legislative changes and WW2.
The 1918 RPA is obviously a significant turning point for the political role and status of women because it gave women the vote which started to destroy the outdated idea of separate spheres.
The RPA gave women the right to vote and prove their ability in politics; and showed women as capable of being equal to men. However, as a Marxist historian I see the feminist movement as a slow development until society is ready for radical change. This is highlighted by previous legislation, like the Education Act which allowed women an input in politics and gave education equality. WW1 highlighted woman’s capability in manual work and their ability to be independent from men. The continued effect of early feminism is highlighted by its presence in modern life and continued discussion and change happening to increase gender equality globally. Ultimately all changes to legislation and social factors pushed through change to the role and status of women, because they all acted as small turning points which opened doors for further social change. All of these factors are proved to be turning points within themselves in that they still contribute to the modern feminist fight, seen in Germaine Greer’s account that “It takes a great deal of courage and independence to decide to design your own image instead of the one that society rewards, but it gets easier as you go along.” From The Female Eunuch, which shows that even though these legislation are long passed and further events may seem more important; there is more change to be seen. What is also important to recognise is that the RPA came right at the start of the modern era, meaning that after the industrial revolution and social reforms of the Victorian ear society was ready to see the start of social change and thus proves that the RPA was a turning point but this only acted as a catalyst, the period was a time of change and so the empowerment of women in their role and status was only