Women in World War II
A woman wearing a red and white polka dotted bandana flexes her bicep with a determined look on her face. Her visage demonstrates the words printed above: “We Can Do It!” Rosie represents the most successful recruitment tool in American history and the most iconic image of working women during World War II. During World War II, the United States government printed up a propaganda poster that is famously known as “Rosie The Riveter.” World War II was the most significant period of change for American women in employment, military service, and style.
Industry saw the greatest increase in the female workforce because fewer men were available for the work that still needed to be done. World War II gave many women the opportunity to work outside the home for the first time. During the war, women did not have the goal to take the place of men in the workforce, but rather to earn a living to …show more content…
The changes in the roles of women “...necessitated a change in wardrobe” (Hall). Women went from wearing skirts and blouses to pants and coveralls. Due to safety regulations, they could not work in a factory in the same attire as working around the home. “American women felt that wearing sturdy trousers and flat shoes was the most practical for them to wear for production jobs” (Hall). The general trend for women’s clothing went from frilly and feminine to a more reserved, masculine style for both factory work and military occupations. Even though the trend headed toward masculinity, designers attempted to continue to accentuate a woman’s shape. “Women’s military uniforms were cut in a masculine “V” shape mimicking men’s uniforms and the male figure with its strong shoulders, yet they were tailored to women’s bodies highlighting the bust and waist” (Hall). Although these women would be taking on an arguably masculine role, they were able to look professional and
A woman wearing a red and white polka dotted bandana flexes her bicep with a determined look on her face. Her visage demonstrates the words printed above: “We Can Do It!” Rosie represents the most successful recruitment tool in American history and the most iconic image of working women during World War II. During World War II, the United States government printed up a propaganda poster that is famously known as “Rosie The Riveter.” World War II was the most significant period of change for American women in employment, military service, and style.
Industry saw the greatest increase in the female workforce because fewer men were available for the work that still needed to be done. World War II gave many women the opportunity to work outside the home for the first time. During the war, women did not have the goal to take the place of men in the workforce, but rather to earn a living to …show more content…
The changes in the roles of women “...necessitated a change in wardrobe” (Hall). Women went from wearing skirts and blouses to pants and coveralls. Due to safety regulations, they could not work in a factory in the same attire as working around the home. “American women felt that wearing sturdy trousers and flat shoes was the most practical for them to wear for production jobs” (Hall). The general trend for women’s clothing went from frilly and feminine to a more reserved, masculine style for both factory work and military occupations. Even though the trend headed toward masculinity, designers attempted to continue to accentuate a woman’s shape. “Women’s military uniforms were cut in a masculine “V” shape mimicking men’s uniforms and the male figure with its strong shoulders, yet they were tailored to women’s bodies highlighting the bust and waist” (Hall). Although these women would be taking on an arguably masculine role, they were able to look professional and