‘Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret‘ is an important work of literature in the genre of young adult literature. The book made its mark by contributing to discussions about identity, puberty, and the challenges of growing up. Its enduring popularity lies in its relatability and the timeless nature of the themes it addresses. By examining the historical context, readers can gain a deeper appreciation of how the book both reflects and contributes to the broader cultural and social discussions of its time. To understand the historical context of the book, it’s essential to consider the societal and cultural landscape of the late 1960s and early 1970s.
Second Wave Feminism
The late 1960s and early 1970s marked the height of the second wave feminist movement in the United States. The book reflects the changing attitudes toward gender roles and the beginning of open discussions about women’s issues that were happening at that time. The novel was published in 1970, and while it doesn’t explicitly delve into Second Wave Feminism, the book is situated within the broader cultural context of its time. Second Wave Feminism refers to the feminist movement that emerged in the 1960s and continued into the 1980s, focusing on issues beyond the legal rights of women, such as reproductive rights, workplace discrimination, and societal expectations.
The novel addresses the experiences of puberty, and Margaret’s curiosity about her changing body reflects a broader societal trend during Second Wave Feminism. This era saw increased awareness and discourse around women’s bodies, challenging traditional norms and taboos. Margaret grapples with societal expectations related to gender roles, family, and religion. Second Wave Feminism sought to challenge and redefine these expectations, advocating for greater freedom of choice for women in various aspects of their lives.
Sexual Revolution
This period saw significant shifts in societal attitudes towards sexuality. The Sexual Revolution challenged traditional norms and encouraged more open conversations about sex and relationships, topics that are explored in the novel through the lens of Margaret’s coming-of-age experiences. This novel was published during a period that coincided with the Sexual Revolution, which spanned the 1960s and 1970s and was characterized by changing societal attitudes towards sexuality. This includes increased discussions about contraception, premarital sex, and a shift towards more liberal views on sexual expression.
The novel explores Margaret’s experiences with puberty, including her curiosity about boys and her changing body. This aligns with the broader cultural openness during the sexual revolution to discuss topics related to sex and sexual education more openly. Margaret’s curiosity about boys, her interest in the opposite sex, and her observations about her friends’ experiences with crushes reflect the broader cultural shift towards acknowledging and exploring one’s sexual identity.
Exploration of Identity
Margaret’s journey of self-discovery, including her understanding of her own desires and feelings, reflects the broader emphasis on individual exploration and self-awareness that characterized this period. While the novel doesn’t explicitly engage with the sexual revolution or feminist theory, it captures the cultural shifts and changing attitudes towards sexuality that were prevalent during the era in which it was written. Judy Blume’s portrayal of Margaret’s experiences aligns with the broader societal transformations of the time, making the book a reflection of the evolving attitudes towards sex and identity during the late 1960s and early 1970s.
Civil Rights Movement
The Civil Rights Movement of the 1960s played a pivotal role in addressing racial inequality. While the book primarily focuses on Margaret’s personal journey, the broader context of social change is part of the backdrop to the story. The late 1960s and early 1970s were characterized by a counterculture movement, with young people challenging established norms. The novel captures the spirit of this era as Margaret and her friends navigate their own unique challenges and question societal expectations. Published in 1970, the book was a groundbreaking work of literature that captured the spirit of a changing era. Set in the midst of the 1960s cultural revolution, the novel explored themes that were considered taboo at the time, such as puberty, religion, and the changing roles of women in society.
Education and Social Changes
The book reflects the changing landscape of education and social norms. Margaret’s experiences in a new school and her interactions with her peers mirror the adjustments many young people were making during this period of societal transformation. During this time, there was a growing recognition of the need for literature that addressed the experiences and concerns of young readers. The book challenged traditional social norms surrounding sexuality, encouraging individuals to question and redefine their beliefs about premarital sex, relationships, and the expectations placed on young people. Margaret’s own questioning of societal expectations aligns with this.
Medical Advances and Changes in Puberty Education
The 1970s witnessed advances in medical understanding and changes in how puberty and sex education were approached in schools. Margaret’s experiences with puberty and the curiosity of her peers align with the evolving landscape of adolescent education.
The book touches on Margaret’s exploration of sex education and her understanding of menstruation. This aligns with medical advances of the time and the efforts to promote comprehensive sex education and women’s reproductive rights, advocating for informed choices about their bodies.
Religious Identity
Margaret’s exploration of her religious identity in the context of her family reflects broader societal discussions about the role of organized religion and its impact on women’s lives. While the novel doesn’t explicitly engage with feminist theory or movements, it captures the atmosphere of changing social attitudes toward gender roles and the increased awareness of women’s issues during this era. The 1960s were a period of significant religious and social change in the United States. The rise of the counterculture movement challenged traditional values and institutions, including organized religion. Margaret’s quest to find her own faith amidst this turmoil reflected the broader questioning of authority and the search for personal meaning that characterized the era.
Changing Gender Roles
The 1960s also saw a growing movement for women’s rights and equality. Margaret’s experiences as an eleven-going-to-twelve-year-old girl navigating the complexities of adolescence highlighted the changing roles of women in society. Her mother’s career aspirations and her grandmother’s traditional views reflected the different perspectives on women’s roles that were prevalent during this time.
Literary Breakthrough
‘Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret‘ was a groundbreaking book due to its honest and apt portrayal of puberty and religion. Blume’s use of first-person narration and Margaret’s relatable voice allowed young readers to connect with her experiences and emotions. This book is often considered one of the pioneering works of young adult literature. The novel’s realistic portrayal of adolescence helped to normalize the discussion of puberty and encouraged open communication between parents and children.