Final answer:
The women's movement saw slower progress due to biases within other social movements, societal norms about 'true womanhood,' a decline in Progressive politics, and diverse perceptions of feminism's relevance through the decades, coupled with inadequate media representation and the shifting political climate.
Step-by-step explanation:
The progression of the women's movement has been notably slower than other social movements for several reasons. Initially, the movement faced internal biases as women were often sidelined in other movements such as civil rights and antiwar protests, with leadership mainly in the hands of men who doubted women's capabilities to lead. This led to the creation of independent networks where women's shared experiences culminated in a broader movement for equality.
Yet, the ethos of 'true womanhood' that dominated the antebellum period hindered broad support, as it strongly challenged existing societal norms regarding women's roles. Politically, the cooling of Progressive politics and the misconception that the passage of the Nineteenth Amendment was the movement's culmination caused a decline in activism which stymied further advancements like the Equal Rights Amendment (ERA). Later advances during the sixties and seventies, including equal employment opportunities and healthcare rights, led some to believe that feminism had achieved its goals, resulting in a deceleration of the movement.
Media representation also played a role, as the lack of women in newsrooms and positions of authority meant that women's issues were given inadequate attention. During the 1980s, the resurgence of conservative politics and the perception of feminism as stigma-inducing or outdated further fragmented the movement. However, despite setbacks, the positive impacts on women's lives were widely recognized among minority communities, indicating a persistent legacy of achievement and ongoing relevance.