Story: Women and men

Reducing difference

Reducing difference

Kevin and Barbara Williams sport matching caftans and sandals for their wedding in 1972. Beside Kevin stands the bride’s father, Rob Muldoon (who went on to be prime minister from 1975 to 1984), in a formal suit like those traditionally worn by grooms. Differences between men and women were challenged from the late 1960s onwards. Increasing numbers of young men wore long hair, and unisex clothing became common. Jeans and T-shirts would become standard everyday wear for men and women.

Using this item

Alexander Turnbull Library, Dominion Post Collection (PAColl-7327)
Reference: EP/1972/2734/9-F

Permission of the Alexander Turnbull Library, National Library of New Zealand, Te Puna Mātauranga o Aotearoa, must be obtained before any re-use of this image.

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How to cite this page:

Charlotte Macdonald, 'Women and men - Challenge and reaction: 1960s–1990s', Te Ara - the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, http://www.TeAra.govt.nz/en/photograph/29247/reducing-difference (accessed 29 March 2024)

Story by Charlotte Macdonald, published 5 May 2011, updated 1 Aug 2017