Women in the Workforce
Throughout World War II, women in America began to take a more prominent role in the workforce as well as their involvement in the war efforts. With the majority of men gone at war, more jobs were in need of workers to fill their void while they were gone. Women during this time period were most commonly known to be working in the workforce while the men were at war. Some people believed that giving the women these jobs was unfair and that they were "taking away" these jobs from men who remained unemployed due to the high unemployment rate following The Great Depression. However, having women in the workforce allowed these women to earn an income which was very beneficial during this era. Throughout WWII, societal America was encouraged to ration and in doing so, many families did not spend money so women were able to save the money they made to benefit their families following the war (Trueman).
"Rosie the Riveter"
Women were an essential and helpful factor in the workforce throughout WWII but rarely ever earned half of the income that men would receive from doing the same jobs. Women were strongly encouraged to join the workforce through numerous propaganda signs that were publicized to persuade women to enter the working field and earn an income. Most famously known, “Rosie the Riveter” was an iconic image displayed throughout the duration of the war which depicted a strong and proud women who encouraged others to join to workforce and show pride in their nation (World War II).
However, although many women did join the workforce, mothers that had young children were encouraged to stay home and nurture their family. Mothers with children 14 and under were suggested to stay at home until their children were old enough. Often times, many of these mothers wanted to join the workforce but their husbands favored against it. The government also feared that if all of these mothers were joining the workforce with young children at home, that there was a possibility of increasing juvenile delinquency without a prominent mother figure at home. However, some families that were economically unstable had to enter the workforce to support their family, even with young children at home (Barrow).
However, although many women did join the workforce, mothers that had young children were encouraged to stay home and nurture their family. Mothers with children 14 and under were suggested to stay at home until their children were old enough. Often times, many of these mothers wanted to join the workforce but their husbands favored against it. The government also feared that if all of these mothers were joining the workforce with young children at home, that there was a possibility of increasing juvenile delinquency without a prominent mother figure at home. However, some families that were economically unstable had to enter the workforce to support their family, even with young children at home (Barrow).
Women in the War
Although numerous women were joining the workforce, many other women contributed to the war efforts. Approximately 350,000 women served in the war both at home and away from home. General George Marshall supported the idea of women entering the war and favored the idea of introducing a women’s service branch into the war.
Women took many different roles while contributing to the war efforts. In 1942 congress granted Women’s Auxiliary Army Corps (WAAC) with complete military status. Granting women the rights to join the military was a turning point in American history (Trueman). Some women were also a part of Women’s Air Force Service Pilots, also known as WASPS. These women were the first women to fly military aircraft s They often traveled from factory to factory delivering ammunition and cargo to base camps for the soldiers. However, being a part of the air force industry was very dangerous and nearly 10,000 women lost their lives in transporting the cargo. Women in WWII largely contributed to the aviation industry and successfully helped this industry in a time of need (Barrow).
Other women that were not involved in more dangerous aspects of the war efforts helped contribute in the Women's Land Army (WLA). This was a British civilian organization where women would help work in an agricultural environment, helping to create more crops. Women that worked as part of the WLA were known as Land Girls. The WLA was an essential part of the war efforts because the government wanted to increase the amount of food grown throughout Britain and in doing so successfully, they needed more help and assistance on farms ("American Women in WWII").
Women took many different roles while contributing to the war efforts. In 1942 congress granted Women’s Auxiliary Army Corps (WAAC) with complete military status. Granting women the rights to join the military was a turning point in American history (Trueman). Some women were also a part of Women’s Air Force Service Pilots, also known as WASPS. These women were the first women to fly military aircraft s They often traveled from factory to factory delivering ammunition and cargo to base camps for the soldiers. However, being a part of the air force industry was very dangerous and nearly 10,000 women lost their lives in transporting the cargo. Women in WWII largely contributed to the aviation industry and successfully helped this industry in a time of need (Barrow).
Other women that were not involved in more dangerous aspects of the war efforts helped contribute in the Women's Land Army (WLA). This was a British civilian organization where women would help work in an agricultural environment, helping to create more crops. Women that worked as part of the WLA were known as Land Girls. The WLA was an essential part of the war efforts because the government wanted to increase the amount of food grown throughout Britain and in doing so successfully, they needed more help and assistance on farms ("American Women in WWII").