the changing position of women 1941-80 Flashcards
what was the two factors which changed the position of women
WW2 and suburban living
what was the 1940 selective training act
it prepared to draft men into war and train women to fill their places, including ship building and aircraft repair
in 1940, only ___ of women worked
why?
1) 16%
2) childcare concerns
what was the 1941 Lanhams Act?
in 1944: _______ children in day care
1)extended childcare provisions
2) 130,000
how did the % of married women working increase after the introduction of the Lanhams Act?
15% to 23%
what did the women’s land army of America do
provided female farm workers
(aprox 3 million women working in agriculture by june 1943 )
held meetings and workshops
how did the lives of black women change due to WW2?
black women could train for new jobs
EX: number on nursing courses rose from 1,108 (1939) to 2,600(1945)
why was there still limitations for black women in work (WW2)
heavy segregation enforced in work places
some businesses still refused to hire them due to fears around STI’s
what happened to womens employment post-WW2?
many could not keep their jobs (about half of married women left work due to social pressure, own choice, or childcare problems)
HOWEVER
female employment did rise again (% of married 45-54 years old: 1940 - 10.1% , 1950 - 22.25%)
there was still the pay gap
what were suburbs like?
socially segregated, monoracial
a reflection of home ownership
predominantly middle-upper-class families/women
what expectations were placed on women in suburbs
expected to be housewives
those who did not conform would be socially excluded
what happened to women’s time in suburbs? Why?
women had more leisure time due to technological advancements (washing machines, fridges, gas ovens, etc) and economic boom(maids)
