Joyce Carol Oates, “Where Are You Going, Where Have You Been”, gives the idea that a lack of gender equality created the feeling of inferiority women had in the 1960’s. This short story was about the rape, and kidnapping of a young girl named Connie by an older man named Arnold Friend. Knowing this story took place in the 1960’s, the audience can understand there were many movements, and cultural changes that took place during this period in time. The historical and cultural events of the 1960’s that shaped this story involved the views of women, the increase of sexual assault and harassment, and the portrayal of women in the media. Connie would have never been in the situation she was in the story if women were treated as equal to men.

The 1960’s was a significant time for women’s rights. Kenneth T. Walsh described the 1960’s as “a time of deep cultural change altering the role of women in American society” (Walsh). Women were viewed based on their sex appeal during this time. The goals of the major feminists in the 1960’s was to reach “equal pay, an end of domestic violence, and an end of sexual harassment/ assault” (Walsh). However, the view of women in this story seems to have come before these movements, where women were viewed based on their looks. Oates creates a character in Connie who is an immature 15-year-old, obsessed with her appearance. She is often times seen “craning her neck to glance into mirrors, or checking other people’s faces to make sure hers is alright” (Oates 1). Based off the fact that the 1960’s was a time where women sought sexual equality, the audience understands the actions and insecurities that Connie demonstrates. Women were labeled based on their appearance during this time. Whether it be at the workplace, at the house, or as a bystander at a restaurant like Connie was, women were not seen as equal. Some factors women relied on was their appearance and maturity. That is why Connie dressed, and acted older than her age of 15 (Oates 2). She wanted to fit into a society that depicted how women should be. Also, in the story Connie was said to have two sides to her, “… one for home, and one for anywhere not home,” (Oates 2). Her laugh, described as “cynical and drawing at home”, was “high pitched and nervous anywhere else,” (Oates 2). Connie felt she must fall into what societies view on women should be. Because of this, she could not fully express her true feelings in the public. Connie had to hide her expressions at home. This caused Connie to act in a way that was not her personality, and this caused unwanted attention, which lead to danger. Connie’s behavior was a direct cause of the sexual culture in the 1960’s.

Sexual assault and harassment were abundant in this time period. This wasn’t surprising as we look into how society made men feel about women.  “In rapid succession, the ubiquity of gender stereotypes was documented in children’s primers, television programs, and commercials, drawings, and classic art” (Deaux 13). Women were portrayed as inferior towards men in the media for many years. For this reason, men such as Arnold Friend did not feel remorse when sexually harassing and assaulting women. In the story, Arnold would say sexually dominating ideas such as “We ain’t leaving until you come with us” (Oates 92). It was normal for men to behave in this manner which degraded women. Towards the end of the short story, we get an understanding that Arnold Friend raped and kidnapped Connie. “She felt her breath start jerking back and forth… as if something Arnold friend were stabbing her with again and again” (Oates 144). Long ago, women were valued for their purity. “Sexual intercourse was only acceptable with in marriage for the purpose of procreation” (Deaux 9). As the feminist movement of the 1960’s approached, “rape was re-conceptualized as a mechanism for maintaining male control and domination” (Deaux 9). With the rise of feminists tackling the problem of sexual equality in the 1960’s, rape occurred as a way to show the dominance men still possessed over women. This caused many instances such as the one of Connie and Arnold in the story.

Another factor leading to the sexual harassment and assault of women was the emergence of women in the workplace. During this time, women were being placed in the workplace which was dominated by men, and this caused sexual tension. Stereotypes of women emerged in the work place because “People have, for example clearly defined images of housewives, career women, and blue-collar working men among others” (Deaux 14). The images men held remained a stereotype, even when women started entering the workplace. This caused sexual tension, which resulted in harassment and assault. Due to this rise consisting in the 1960’s, it is reasonable to assume the harassment and assault Arnold Friend showcased was a direct result of the social status of men and women in the 1960’s. Towards the end of the story, Arnold would not listen to Connie as she screamed “Get the hell out of here” (Oates 8) when Arnold entered the house. Instead of listening to what Connie had said, Arnold continued. “Be nice, honey. Listen” (Oates 8). Connie’s thoughts and actions clearly did not phase Arnold. This idea relates to the overall feeling of inferiority that women felt during this time. 

Extending on the idea of having women in the workplace dominated by all men, “we can predict that the presence of explicitly sexual material will prime images of women that emphasize a sexual rather than professional qualities” (Deaux 15). The time period was the rise of men purchasing sexually explicit material including magazines such as Playboy and Hustler. These magazines gave men the feeling of sexual dominance, and made it hard for them to look at women in a professional manner. “Rather, the sexual subtype takes precendence over other possible images of women and thus creates an atmosphere in which sexual harassment is likely to flourish” (Deaux 15). These images made a man think of women in a sexual way. Arnold Friend in the story only looks at Connie in a sexual way when he is conversing with her. For example, in the story, Arnold sweet talks Connie when he says, “Gonna get you baby” (Oates 8). Instead of having a friendly conversion, Arnold says very explicit, and somewhat violating remarks. The overall idea that women were considered for sexual reasons over professional ones was the main reason why males sexually assaulted, and harassed females. Arnold viewed Connie in the story as a sexual pleasure rather a person based on this view that society had on women during this time. For this reason, many girls, including Connie, were harmed by predators like Arnold. 

Through looking at the view of women in the 1960’s, the increase in sexual assault, and the portrayal of women in the media, we understand how women were mistreated. The change in the perception of man and woman in the 1960’s proved to be difficult for both genders. Men, for the most part, did not willingly accept this change in culture, which caused sexual assault and harassment. This sexual assault and harassment based off the ideas of the depiction of women can be clearly shown through the characters of Connie and Arnold. Connie’s obsession to being beautiful, and mature showed the high standards women were forced into. Arnold’s behavior of sexual harassment and dominance showed how some individuals did not accept this cultural change. Arnold showed his dominance, and rebellion of sexual equality through the raping, and kidnapping of Connie. As an audience, we get an understanding of how Connie and Arnolds character were each driven by the way society depicted gender roles. If gender roles were equal during this time, Connie would not have been in danger.
