Roles of US Women in WWII

In the US during World War II, women played an essential role in the war effort despite the perpetuation of gender difference myths that presumed women of being incapable of handling male dominated occupations. The war also altered and changed the status of women for a brief period of time. In addition, women also engaged in other tasks to help contribute to the war effort.

Gender Inequalities

The arrival of European settlers to the Americas and the creation of the white settler state has brought upon patriarchal values. These patriarchal values have subjugated women to positions of unequal power compared to men (Griscom, 1994). There are norms that dictate the roles and behaviour of men and women (Boudet, 2013). Women were primarily seen as caretakers and belonging in the household. The primary presumed jobs of women was that of being a mother or a housewife. Specifically, in the case of married women, the state even went as far as implementing marriage bars that banned firms, schools, districts, and other organizations against hiring married women and to fire single women upon marriage . The politics of oppression was implemented before the 1930’s and greatly expanded during the depression era .

It was only seen largely that during this period a daycare centre was much needed, and because of this opportunity they have created an opportunity to have this centre be ran by many of these housewives.

Moreover, women did work prior to World War II; however, the job opportunities available were unattractive. In 1900 82 percent of the US working force were men and 18 percent were women . Women were in occupations where most male laborers would not even consider working due to the low wages . Furthermore, women who worked did not fit in the stereotypical, perfect American family image, often associated with White middle to upper class women, where the mother is seen as raising the kids and taking care of the house and were therefore judged by society. These working women belonged in the lower or minority classes. They were also seen as bad mothers. With the nation at a state of war, these war industries offered work with higher wages than those in traditionally female occupations, and these work were also unionized . Prior to 1940, women were excluded from participating in these types of work .

Rise of Female Employment

With most of the male population in the US being recruited for war, the high demand and the low supply of workers, along with the support and influence from the government, led employers to hire women. Women were needed in the production of: food, weapons, warships, uniforms, and other essential necessities of war . Women also worked in the government and performed many of the civil service jobs that were once restricted to males only. The war was a key indicator that women were equally efficient at handling previously male dominated jobs . Women were occupying these male dominated occupations that not only paid higher wages, but were thought to require masculine abilities and traits . Therefore, it challenged and posed a threat to dominant ideologies regarding femininity and female limitations . Nevertheless, some hostility and stereotyping against women still persisted .

With the war in hand, the opening for many labour markets expanded and eroded this burst within the female workforce. Through giving women an opportunity it demonstrated the functionality of a women's strength to work. This female labour force were categorized into four groups: single women; young married women without children; women with grown children; and women with children or other dependants at home. With this said, single women has already been employed however because of the war it has given them the opportunity to travel in the war production areas to earn a higher wage. As to servicemen's wives were given the convenience to be involved in the same labour pool as the single women. A primary change for women with the women with grown children became vastly involved within the labour force and with her children out of the house it was exponential change towards their wage and work opportunities .The war may have also triggered many policy roles to change given that married women were unable to be employed, however, this vanished after the early 1940's and by 1950's this was not an issue. It is through the war, many policies that did inhibit married women to work were now redefined to better terms. With the study taken by Goldin, he reinforces that these studies were able to prove that the tendency of women do remain in the labour force (Goldin, 1991).

During this period in the US, not only female labour participation rates increased, but also an increased number in minority groups, particularly African-Americans, joined the manufacturing sector as well . Women’s labour participation rate by April 1945, increased to 36.1 percent . By 1947, women’s labor force participation rates dropped compared to the numbers from the wartime peak .

Propaganda

During WWII, propaganda was used to change the public perception of women as only belonging in the household, and raising children to that of hardworking, strong women that are needed in the workforce, or military. A famous propaganda includes that of Rosie the Riveter. Once again, these propaganda were often directed at middle-upper class White women. However, in reality a lot of the female workers were neither middle class nor white . Propaganda was based on patriotic duty or it presented itself with elements of emotional appeal. Furthermore, these propaganda emphasized on women doing their part on the homefront; hence, by doing so they are supporting their men or husbands overseas by working. Some propaganda also encouraged women to ration, or grow victory gardens.

Additional Jobs and Duties

During this time period, many women left their pink collar occupations to work in male dominated jobs with the blessing of the government who encouraged, specifically housewives, to join the work force through the use of propaganda. However, not all women worked, some remained at home and contributed to the war effort through tackling increased domestic duties .

Those who found a job at a war plant often enough stay for long hours and especially those in war production areas were unable to adjust to the workload of 48 hours. This became a concern for many of these women who had children.

Women’s work in the home and the community assisted in the nation’s well-being . Many also volunteered and by doing so, helped the government to provide services, such as daycare . Daycare and child services were highly needed especially for those who worked and had children. There was a double burden for these women. Women were expected to contribute to the war, while at the same time maintain domestic duties at home. They were expected to take care of their families and children as well as cleaning and cooking. Moreover, women’s volunteer work also helped kept the civilian moral high to support the war. They also helped finance the war through the buying of war bonds .

Through the struggle of the women who stressed about their family and work, it became a turning point when there was a funded a day-care center which created another staff opportunity for many middle-aged housewives .

Furthermore, with most of the goods and services devoting to the war efforts and to ensure the soldiers oversees had enough nourishment and clothing, there were shortages of food and clothes. Stores had limited amount of variety, so women had to resort to growing their own food through their victory gardens. They also had to mend, make items, and were highly encouraged to reuse old items. They also participated in rationing.

Women in the Forces

Before the war, the military consisted of males only; however, things began to change as those in leadership realized they needed more people to help out with the war effort. Therefore, they needed female volunteers. Some women served at home and some served oversees. Moreover, women were not allowed to fight in combat in the military. Nevertheless, approximately 400,000 women served in the US military, including 800 Native Americans . Women were in these groups: Women's Army Corps (WACs), Navy Women's Reserve (WAVES), Coast Guard Women's Reserve (SPARS), Marine Corps Women's Reserve, and so on. They also performed very important duties ranging from: radio operators, flight instructors, mechanics, and other important military related tasks. They also served as nurses in the front lines.

Resorting to Old Ways

Women were taking on traditionally male dominated jobs in the wartime industry; however, after the war, women were expected to return to their domestic duties in order to make space for returning veterans of the war. Many also assumed most women would want to leave their jobs; however, this was not the case since 75 percent to 80 percent of women actually wanted to keep working after the war . Furthermore, working women were seen as a threat to family and domestic life.

Many women were also fired from their war jobs when the war ended and were also encouraged to work back in traditional female types of work . As soon as the war was over, women were laid off at a rate of 75% faster than men . In 1947, there was a gradual increase of women wanting independence and increase availability of different types of jobs. By 1960’s, women worldwide were campaigning for, and demanding equal rights.

Although many of these jobs were available during the war time, by 1949 the size of the military was at a peacetime level which meant many of these men has returned. With the return of the veterans, the drop in women's employment was clear and in return many of these women had to restore these jobs back to them. However, women's employment were reinstalled. Due to their work during the war time it made it that much easier for them to find an opportunity and be given a gorgeous capacity of room for earnings.

The Affects of US Working Women

The affects of women working during the Second World War launched the third wave feminism. It led to an alternative way of thinking not only about the role of women but also other minority groups: communities of colour, those with disabilities (visible and invisible), youth and the LGBT community . It resulted in a push for autonomy, self-determination, and was an awakening for many in the US as well as other developed nations that they too possess power to navigate their own destiny. It pushed for ideas regarding autonomy, equity, and to grow roots in the human and civil rights movement as well as in the academia and politics (Harvey, Horne, & Safai, 2009).

In short, what government officials at the time of WWII in the United States thought would be a temporary fill of jobs became a launching point into the twenty-first century movement towards autonomy. Since the end of the Second World War, women have taken larger roles not only in the workplace but on issues that had never been talked about before such as gender equity and wage inequality. In Post-WWII, the number of women who finished high school and went on further to take post-secondary courses increased and there is a steady rise in women taking leadership roles in all sectors of society. However, there is still much work that needs to be done for women and other minority groups in the workplace.

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