In the 20th century, women's roles began to change significantly in many ways, particularly in Western societies. Here are some key points regarding these changes:
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Choice Not to Marry: Women gained more agency over their marital decisions. The 20th century saw a gradual acceptance of women choosing to remain single or delaying marriage for education and career opportunities.
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Work Opportunities: While traditional roles often confined women to household duties, the world wars (especially World War I and World War II) prompted many women to enter the workforce to fill roles previously occupied by men. This trend continued post-war as women sought careers in various fields.
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Political Rights: Contrary to the idea that women lost the right to vote, the 20th century was marked by significant advancements in women's suffrage. Women in many countries gained the right to vote throughout the early to mid-20th century, marking a critical shift in their political rights and participation.
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Marriage Choices: Women gained more freedom to choose their marriage partners, with social norms evolving and legal restrictions on marriage being lifted. This included the right to marry for love rather than for economic necessity or familial arrangement.
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Educational Attainment: Access to education expanded for women, enabling them to pursue higher education and professional careers, which further contributed to shifts in their societal roles.
Overall, the 20th century witnessed significant advancements in women's roles, empowering them in numerous aspects of life including marriage, education, and the workforce, contrary to the notions of limitation and loss mentioned in your question.