The position of women after the Second World War 1945-1950

Question 1

Progression after the Second World War

• Within states

Answer 1

4 US states made equal pay for women compulsory, while other states tried to protect women from discrimination in their jobs.

Question 2

Progression during the Second World War

• War effort

Answer 2

In 1940, women made up 19% of the workforce, which had risen to 28.8% by 1950.

Question 3

Stagnation after the Second World War

• Jobs

Answer 3

The majority of women were willing to give up their wartime jobs at the end of the war and return to their traditional ‘female’ jobs.

Question 4

Examples of stereotyping in the 1950s

Name 2 points

Answer 4

1) Adverts focused on the woman as housewife and mother.

2) Many women’s magazines featured articles that emphasised the domestic role of women.

Question 5

Flaw of the stereotyping of women in the 1950s

Answer 5

Working class and ethnic minority women did not feature significantly

Question 6

Counter argument for the stereotyping of women in the 1950s

• The magazine Redbook

Answer 6

In 1960, the magazine Redbook ran a £500 prize competition inviting readers to write on ‘Why you feel trapped’, which received 24,000 entries.

Question 7

Counter argument for the stereotyping of women in the 1950s

• Attitude

Answer 7

Many others felt frustrated and unfulfilled by the widely accepted domestic role

Question 8

Women and work

• Facts for the 1950

Answer 8

The percentage of women in the labour force did increase in the 1950s from 33.8% in 1950 to 37.8% by the end of the decade.

Question 9

Which group saw the biggest increase of women in work?

Answer 9

Those who were married

From 36% in 1940 to 60% by 1960

Question 10

Why was more women willing to work

Answer 10

Many women in the 1950s sought jobs more than careers, in order to supplement the family income.