Prior to World War II, women’s rights in the United States of America looked significantly different to how they were during, and after, the war. Societal norms dictated that their primary role was to be caretakers and homemakers, rather than pursuing a career. 1940 marked a shift in these traditional gender roles, by giving women new opportunities and portraying them as independent and valuable to the workforce. These unprecedented opportunities in the local and military workforces, as well as altering perspectives on female capabilities, indirectly contributed to the American women’s rights movement by laying the groundwork and inspiration for future generations in post-war gender equality.
Prevalent social stigmas of female inferiority …show more content…
Throughout the course of World War II, demand for men on the front lines began to grow, which meant that, similarly to jobs at home, jobs in the military needed filling as well. Consequently, 350,000 American women served in uniform, taking on roles in the military in roles including, but not limited to WAACs (Women’s Army Auxillary Corps), WAVES (Navy Women’s Reserve), Marine Corps Women’s Reserve, Coast Guards Women’s Reserve, and the Women Airforce Service Pilots (WASPS). This extensive list of roles performed crucial tasks such as repairing aeroplanes, working as laboratory technicians, being radio operators, and even training anti-aircraft artillery gunners. The jobs that women took on during the war starkly contrasted with the ones traditionally assigned to them, subverting gender roles at the time. Their value in these roles was not left unrecognised, either. General Dwight D. Eisenhower acknowledged indispensable contributions to D-day, describing them as “a sine qua non of the invasion effort.” Seeing such recognition from an important figure was especially impactful as it provided an ethos for the notion of female capabilities outside of the household. Although it is reasonable to argue that women tended to not get everyday recognition for their actions, it is …show more content…
Women also learned to be empowered by their abilities to transcend gender roles. Rosie the Riveter served as a vital figure in changing perceptions of women for men and women in the United States. She was a propaganda icon who symbolised women in the workforce and female independence. Being an inspiration for women to join the workforce, she inspired them to break free from existing norms and empowered them to do what was once unthinkable - joining the active workforce and gaining financial independence. The new experience of earning one’s own wages and having autonomy over that money was an empowering experience that stemmed from the ideas propagated by the iconic figure. Significantly, Rosie the Riveter challenged the general portrayal of women. Women began to be portrayed as strong and capable beings, a drastic shift from the previous portrayal of women as weak and inferior to men. The message conveyed by Rosie catalysed a social change in perception towards women. Empowering women means giving them a means to speak up for themselves, and Rosie the Riveter gave them that empowerment that lasted longer than just the war, as she, and those that she influenced in the wartime, became inspirational figures for future generations of women, including those who became a part of the women’s rights
Prevalent social stigmas of female inferiority …show more content…
Throughout the course of World War II, demand for men on the front lines began to grow, which meant that, similarly to jobs at home, jobs in the military needed filling as well. Consequently, 350,000 American women served in uniform, taking on roles in the military in roles including, but not limited to WAACs (Women’s Army Auxillary Corps), WAVES (Navy Women’s Reserve), Marine Corps Women’s Reserve, Coast Guards Women’s Reserve, and the Women Airforce Service Pilots (WASPS). This extensive list of roles performed crucial tasks such as repairing aeroplanes, working as laboratory technicians, being radio operators, and even training anti-aircraft artillery gunners. The jobs that women took on during the war starkly contrasted with the ones traditionally assigned to them, subverting gender roles at the time. Their value in these roles was not left unrecognised, either. General Dwight D. Eisenhower acknowledged indispensable contributions to D-day, describing them as “a sine qua non of the invasion effort.” Seeing such recognition from an important figure was especially impactful as it provided an ethos for the notion of female capabilities outside of the household. Although it is reasonable to argue that women tended to not get everyday recognition for their actions, it is …show more content…
Women also learned to be empowered by their abilities to transcend gender roles. Rosie the Riveter served as a vital figure in changing perceptions of women for men and women in the United States. She was a propaganda icon who symbolised women in the workforce and female independence. Being an inspiration for women to join the workforce, she inspired them to break free from existing norms and empowered them to do what was once unthinkable - joining the active workforce and gaining financial independence. The new experience of earning one’s own wages and having autonomy over that money was an empowering experience that stemmed from the ideas propagated by the iconic figure. Significantly, Rosie the Riveter challenged the general portrayal of women. Women began to be portrayed as strong and capable beings, a drastic shift from the previous portrayal of women as weak and inferior to men. The message conveyed by Rosie catalysed a social change in perception towards women. Empowering women means giving them a means to speak up for themselves, and Rosie the Riveter gave them that empowerment that lasted longer than just the war, as she, and those that she influenced in the wartime, became inspirational figures for future generations of women, including those who became a part of the women’s rights