December 7th, 1941 America was struck with the devastation of war as Japanese war planes collided into Pearl Harbor near Honolulu, Hawaii (History.com). Suddenly, the dynamics of America were changed as men were thrust into battle and women were now alone to keep their homeland intact. World War II not only altered women’s role in society, but also their families, in the military, and in the work force. Before the United States entered the war, women were not to hold consistent jobs. In fact, it was said that anytime a lady possessed a job, she was preventing a man from providing for his family. This was one of the many reasons females were not quickly hired. In other wars, such as World War I, the occupations open for them were strictly non-combat.
…show more content…
These women were very determined to assist America as a large number were putting in forty-eight hour work weeks. With eighteen million women working as a whole, they made up a shocking one-third of the labor force, this arose new questions of equal payment for women. (Women At War With America: pp.241-243)
A huge adaption had to be made in the homes of these women as many of them had families to care for as well. This began a newly composed community as every town had to team together. The war caused great shortages in every day needs such as food, shoes, and gasoline, and these supplies had to be carefully rationed. As a result, victory gardens were planted in everyone’s backyards as a source of food for each family and their neighbors. (mentalfloss.com)
My Grandmother, Virginia Wood, was sixteen when the war broke out. Her mother chose to work in production to aid the war efforts. My grandmother describes this time as an “empowering time for women”, but she also describes some of the downfall, where she had to step up and be the head of the household because her mother was often extremely distracted and busy from her long days at work. To stand in a mother’s position during this time while trying to provide for your family was challenging to say the
These women were very determined to assist America as a large number were putting in forty-eight hour work weeks. With eighteen million women working as a whole, they made up a shocking one-third of the labor force, this arose new questions of equal payment for women. (Women At War With America: pp.241-243)
A huge adaption had to be made in the homes of these women as many of them had families to care for as well. This began a newly composed community as every town had to team together. The war caused great shortages in every day needs such as food, shoes, and gasoline, and these supplies had to be carefully rationed. As a result, victory gardens were planted in everyone’s backyards as a source of food for each family and their neighbors. (mentalfloss.com)
My Grandmother, Virginia Wood, was sixteen when the war broke out. Her mother chose to work in production to aid the war efforts. My grandmother describes this time as an “empowering time for women”, but she also describes some of the downfall, where she had to step up and be the head of the household because her mother was often extremely distracted and busy from her long days at work. To stand in a mother’s position during this time while trying to provide for your family was challenging to say the