How did the war change the attitudes of women and minorities toward their status in American society - Essay Example

American War and Its Influence on Women and Minorities Status Historically, women and the minorities within the societyhave undergone tremendous change concerning their status. Their attitude is indeed a key indicator of what their status in society speculates. Observably, the general perception in a society can be influenced by various events including war. It is considered as a very unfortunate event that leads to loss of lives and destruction of properties. However, for the American women and minorities, the wars they underwent presented a new chapter in their attitude towards status in the society.

The period of war in America, especially during the Second World War, women were viewed as inferior to men. Mostly, their place was at home purposely to take care of the children and do house chores. This status was prominent due to undefined legal rights for the women. Moreover, their independence in terms of economic, civic and political issues was ignored1. However, the period of war brought about their interest in political matters. That helped in creating awareness on the issues of liberty and equality.

For instance, women got involved in the war, and they felt more empowered by the idea that they could fight for the sake of the general freedom. Additionally, the idea that men, labour and the interest of children were sacrificed for the sake of war, gave them more bargaining tool. Consequently, they felt valuable and demanded equality and fair consideration in the society from the Government. Further, this helped in affirming their patriotism2.More still, according to Cott (2012), the women that were working in the defense plant, had good skills and admirable performance.

That led to unique social, economic and psychological unity between women and men; something that was not there before the war. Besides, the war gave women a lot of social and psychological independence that they much desired before. For example, it brought about a stimulus to marriage. The number of Michigan weddings in December 1941 set a state record of for a single month, and this status rose again four years later with the onset of peace3.On the other hand, the war required America’s unity and mobilization as never before.

In the period preceding the war, there was widespread discrimination towards the minorities with America. This discrimination was due to gender, race, and economic status. However, when most American most Americans were involved in the war, the minorities became very significant in providing labour. They changed their attitude and used the opportunity to push for favorable labour laws. That eventually gave them good remuneration and subsequent elevated status4. Furthermore, the minorities used this opportunity to clamor for more social, economic and political rights within the society.

Observably, this helped in improving their patriotism since they could now find an avenue to serve their country. For instance, the American Women’s Voluntary Service was indeed a minority organization that gave itself to home-front security and productivity. Furthermore, the organization through its members, were able to diversify and expand its contribution to the war effort (Frank, 2013).In conclusion, women and minorities were involved in the American war in many ways. Their remarkable effort both at home, in the industries, and at the battlefield contributed significantly to the outcome of the war and molded their attitude positively.

The prodemocracy women indeed took the opportunity of their newfound roles and attitude to advance political views. They cautiously brought these views to the public thereby liberating the future American generation of women and minorities to express their political views.BibliographyCott F. Nancy. History of Women in the United States: Volume 15: Women and War. Berlin: De Gruyter 2012. Frank, Lisa Tendrich. An encyclopedia of American women at war: from the home front to the battlefields. Santa Barbara, Calif: ABC-CLIO 2013. Hixson L. Walter.

The American experience in World war II: the American people at war, minorities and women in the second World War. New York, Taylor & Francs 2003.