changing economics and employment opportunities Flashcards
What was the percentage of free women working in the 1840s?
10%
This percentage increased over the decades, reflecting changing economic conditions.
What were the main areas of paid employment for women in the second half of the nineteenth century?
Domestic service, textiles, white-collar work, education, care professions
These sectors represented the primary employment opportunities available to women during this period.
By 1920, what percentage of free women were working?
24%
This increase indicates a significant shift in women’s employment opportunities.
What was one major change in women’s employment by 1917 compared to the 1860s?
Much less domestic service
This reflects a broader trend towards diversification in job roles for women.
Fill in the blank: Female labour overtook _______ in textiles.
child labour
This shift marked a significant change in the workforce composition in textile industries.
What was a common limitation for women in the workforce during the late 19th and early 20th centuries?
Limited opportunities for management, starting businesses, and higher wages
These limitations were rooted in traditional gender roles and societal expectations.
True or False: Employers were generally supportive of hiring married women in the late 19th century.
False
Employers often viewed married women as primarily responsible for home duties.
What type of work remained the norm for African American women during this period?
Low-paid factory work, domestic service, or sharing tasks on smallholdings
These roles reflected the economic marginalization faced by African American women.
How many women worked directly for the armed forces by 1918 during the First World War?
30,000
Women’s contributions were crucial to the war effort, especially in areas with male labor shortages.
What was the percentage of women in the workforce by the 1930s?
15%
This increase occurred despite the economic pressures of the Great Depression.
What impact did the Great Depression have on women’s employment?
Put pressure on women not to ‘steal’ jobs from men
Societal attitudes during this period often blamed women for taking jobs that could go to men.
During the Second World War, what was the total number of women who entered the workforce?
Six million
This represented one-third of all workers, highlighting women’s critical role in wartime production.
What type of roles did women take on during the Second World War?
Heavy industry, lumber and steel mills, transport
Women’s participation in these sectors was promoted through propaganda emphasizing their capabilities.
What was a significant change in women’s education by 1986?
Half of university graduates were women
This reflects a major shift in educational attainment and opportunities for women.
What legislation improved awareness of issues faced by women in the workplace?
Equal Pay Act
This act was a significant step towards addressing wage disparities and workplace discrimination.
