Waubonsee Community College

The great stewardess rebellion, how women launched a workplace revolution at 30,000 feet, Nell McShane Wulfhart

eng

Includes bibliographical references (pages 263-294) and index

illustrations

index present

non fiction

The great stewardess rebellion

bibliography

1268122807

Nell McShane Wulfhart

how women launched a workplace revolution at 30,000 feet

"The empowering story of a group of spirited stewardesses who fought for their rights in the cabin and revolutionized the workplace for all American women"--, Provided by publisher"As flying boomed in the 1960s, women from across America applied for jobs as stewardesses. They were drawn to the promise of glamour, the chance to travel, and an alternative to traditional occupations like homemaking, nursing, and teaching. But as the number of “stews” grew, so did their suspicion that the job was not as picture-perfect as the ads would have them believe. “Sky girls” had to adhere to strict weight limits at all times; gain a few extra pounds and they’d be suspended from work. They couldn’t marry or have children; their makeup, hair, and teeth had to be just so. Girdles were mandatory on the clock. And, most important, stewardesses had to resign at 32. Eventually the stewardesses began to push back and it’s thanks in part to their trailblazing efforts that working women have gotten closer to workplace equality today. Nell McShane Wulfhart crafts a rousing narrative of female empowerment, the paradigm-shifting ’60s and ’70s, the labor movement, and the cadre of gutsy women who fought for their rights—and won." -- Publisher's description

Part I. Patt -- Honeybuns on the charm farm -- Gloves to grievances -- The airstrip -- Sonia in fantasyland -- What the BFOQ? -- Black mollies -- Think of her as your mother -- Do women age faster on airplanes? -- In and out of uniform -- Part II. Tommie -- Flying pianos -- Pregnancy and pursers -- The case of Mary Pat -- Men on board -- Go fly yourself -- Stewardesses for women's rights -- We really move our tails for you -- First the commies, then the feminists -- The single rooms contract -- Part III. Patt and Tommie -- Stay or go? -- Election day -- Professionals at last