World War II took place from 1939-1945. It was a war in which women had to take on responsibilities that had previously been unavailable to them to compensate for the roles of men whilst they were away at war. The impact of World War II had repercussions for Australian society. The changing roles of women during World War II impacted upon both Australian women and men.
Prior to World War II women had an insignificant role within society and previous wars. The Second South African Anglo-Boer War can be considered Australia’s first major battle, 80 women went, compared with the 16,000 men. Sister Laney Lempriere wrote a firsthand experience of women’s roles within this war; “The sister has to go around with the surgeon, take his orders, pass …show more content…
Employment for women had previously been looked down upon by society, however, as the war progressed the need for women to work in “men’s” jobs became a necessity. “From the years 1933 to 1946 the total number of employed females rose from 523,200 to 758,900.” (Commonwealth Year book, 1947, p.488). This is a reliable source as it is located within the Commonwealth yearbook and is therefore a primary source. To ensure that military support was available should it be required some women formed military groups even though it was discouraged as it was considered an improper role for women. The government was not expecting they would be required overseas, however, as the impact of war was much larger than initially expected, some women had to be sent to the war from these groups. “They helped build trucks, tanks and airplanes” (Australian Government, 2016), despite these jobs once being considered too “physically” difficult for women, it was now accepted that they would be required to fulfil these roles. Although society were initially not pleased to have women working outside of domestic roles, John Curtin (1941) the prime minister of Australia during World War II stated, “Australians must realise that to place the nation on a war footing every citizen must place himself, his private and business affairs, his entire mode of living, on a war footing.” Despite including all citizens in his speech; both men …show more content…
In previous wars Women had trivial roles with the expectation they would stay at home to fulfil domestic activities. However, World War II changed women’s roles within in society majorly, despite society’s initial reluctance to accept them into the workplace. Women were very passionate towards these improvements and the opportunities to participate on the front line of war. To conclude; World War II had a major role in shaping the lives and roles of women in society of
Prior to World War II women had an insignificant role within society and previous wars. The Second South African Anglo-Boer War can be considered Australia’s first major battle, 80 women went, compared with the 16,000 men. Sister Laney Lempriere wrote a firsthand experience of women’s roles within this war; “The sister has to go around with the surgeon, take his orders, pass …show more content…
Employment for women had previously been looked down upon by society, however, as the war progressed the need for women to work in “men’s” jobs became a necessity. “From the years 1933 to 1946 the total number of employed females rose from 523,200 to 758,900.” (Commonwealth Year book, 1947, p.488). This is a reliable source as it is located within the Commonwealth yearbook and is therefore a primary source. To ensure that military support was available should it be required some women formed military groups even though it was discouraged as it was considered an improper role for women. The government was not expecting they would be required overseas, however, as the impact of war was much larger than initially expected, some women had to be sent to the war from these groups. “They helped build trucks, tanks and airplanes” (Australian Government, 2016), despite these jobs once being considered too “physically” difficult for women, it was now accepted that they would be required to fulfil these roles. Although society were initially not pleased to have women working outside of domestic roles, John Curtin (1941) the prime minister of Australia during World War II stated, “Australians must realise that to place the nation on a war footing every citizen must place himself, his private and business affairs, his entire mode of living, on a war footing.” Despite including all citizens in his speech; both men …show more content…
In previous wars Women had trivial roles with the expectation they would stay at home to fulfil domestic activities. However, World War II changed women’s roles within in society majorly, despite society’s initial reluctance to accept them into the workplace. Women were very passionate towards these improvements and the opportunities to participate on the front line of war. To conclude; World War II had a major role in shaping the lives and roles of women in society of