A great change in the status of women took place when

• A. Millions were hired in defense plants during World War II
• B. Many succeeded on Wall Street in the 1930s
• C. They began to serve as presidents of several prestigious law schools
• D. They began to outperform men in civil service tests

Answer: (C)

A significant change in women’s status is shown when they begin leading elite institutions, not just joining the workforce. When women started serving as presidents of several prestigious law schools, it demonstrated that they were entrusted with the highest levels of leadership in a field long dominated by men. This kind of top leadership signals social legitimacy and authority in a respected, high-status profession, affecting how society views women’s capabilities and roles in shaping the future of the profession.

Context helps: the broader push for women's rights and expanded access to higher education created opportunities for women to enter law and academia. Rising numbers of women entering and eventually leading law schools marked a real shift in status—from being participants in the labor market to holding influential positions that shape policy, curricula, and the profession itself.

The other options show important progress, such as increased workforce participation or success on exams, but they don’t convey the same symbolic and practical shift in leadership and prestige within a core, elite profession.