Effects of war on women were mostly beneficial (2 Wars)?

Question 1

Economics?

Answer 1

• Both Wars –> Increase Workforce –> BUT WW1 > WW2
• William Kelly: “new roles for women” –> Germany, white collar jobs rose by 6% (13-25) + Br num of administrative positions 2x (11-21)
• Susan Pharr: “female particpation” –> 25% of women worked pre WW2 BUT 60% 1946

Question 2

Counter Argument on Economics?

Answer 2

• Pharr’s perspective unconvicing as quality of labour was poor
• WW2 –> Sally Hastings: Before WW2 wage gap was 50% BUT 30% in 1970 –> Not beneficial for the long term
• Hastings –> Not beneficial –> Forced to work lower skilled jobs, reinforcing traditional gender values

Question 3

Politics?

Answer 3

Both brought out political change –> BUT WW1>WW2

• AJP Taylor “voice their opinions” –> US suffrage in 1920 with the passing of the 19th Amendment of the constitution–> Partial suffrage (‘18) full suffrage (‘20) –> 22% of politicans female in the Communist Partu committe (1920)
• Susan Pharr: “elevated status of women” –> ‘45: some female votes exceeded that of male votes –> ‘46: Record number of female legislators voted in

Question 4

Counter to Politics?

Answer 4

• WW2: The number of voters were not surpassed until ‘89 thus supporting Japanses PM (Yoshida’s) daughters view
• WW1: Suffrage granted in 1918 was for property owners –> James Joll suggests WWI hindered suffrage as the government focused on the war effort so suffrage last momentum

However, this perspective remains unconvincing

Question 5

Social

Answer 5

• Both brought about great social change –> WW1 more beneficial (liberated women more)
• Richard Evans: “appreciation for women” –> First Mothers Day May 1920 –> Widowed granted allowances in the UK
• Auxiliary Services of Law Germay 1916 + Shippard Towner Maternity and Infant Protection Act (USA 21) –> Improved healthcare for women
• Sally Hastings: “‘Great leap forward’ for Girls education” –> introduction of compulsory education for girls