World War II and the Role of Women - Research Paper Example

World War II and the Role of Women World War II that started in September 1939 was not a negligible event as it affected the lives of millions of people all around the globe. Many countries got involved in the war and the consequences were drastic. The war can be held responsible for introducing works to people that they never did before. The war affected the live styles of people especially the women. The women of America were busy in doing different kinds of house managing jobs before the war but the war made them to work outside their homes and fill the gap that was created by the men who were busy in warfare. The businesses and industries of America required labor for their continued functionalities due to which, they recruited women in place of men, as the war required a major contribution from men in order to secure the homeland. According to Marc Miller (1980), “the war led to a dramatic rise in the number of women working in the United States” (42). Women that previously worked in homes and managed only their homes came out during the war in order to save their country from economic downfall. Ellen J. Babb (1994) informs that women were supported by the government and private sector (43). In fact, they were not only supported but also encouraged to work for their country’s welfare by getting employment in business and industrial sector. Women volunteered for the employments offered by the government and private sector, as their services were acutely required by the state. The lives of women changed as a whole, as because of their work outside their homes, they got recognition and respect, as they never enjoyed before. It was during the war that women were considered as a substitute for men; otherwise, they were regarded as less capable in comparison to men. The jobs offered to the women were temporary and there was a plan to ask the women to go back to their previous household activities when the war was over (Anderson 78). Women were not only required to manage the outside works but also their children, which was their all time job. According to Babb (1994), “One thing they had to do was find new ways to balance family and work roles” (46). The lives of American woman transformed as previously they were only to manage their homes and children but then, during the war, they were to protect the economy of their country and help it to sustain while their children and their homes were their responsibility as before. They had to do manage many works whether they were home related or work related. During the war, women show their capacity and competence to handle for which, they were considered ineligible before. Women’s traditional role changed in American economy (Ohmer 55). Although, their role was regarded temporary, however, women were able to identify their own status in society, which was deprived previously. During the war, they were the major part of the economy, as they helped the businesses and industries to carry on with their works without any hindrance. Women showed their control over domestic as well as nondomestic affairs. The lives of women changed during the war, as they were able to know their position in society and acted likewise to maintain their position. American society saw the rise of middle class women, as they were the one who showed utmost inspiration towards working outside like men (Ohmer 55). Women were not knowledgeable about their legal state in the society, however, during the war, when they were given the opportunity to do men’s jobs, they identified their place in society. “As women found themselves on more equal footing with men in the work place and as partners on the homefront, they used their new public roles to fight for legal equality” (Babb 52). After gaining knowledge about their need and demand by the society, they got involved in many governmental and private jobs related to legalization such as political jobs, participation in unions, court jobs, newspaper reporting and much more (Anderson 74). American women worked from machine’s handling to aircraft mechanics, from first aid to rifle using, from production of goods to accounts management and from rationing to food storage. There was no job left that was not done by the American women during the war. The women of America were asked to work outside their homes as a patriotic duty (Anderson 62). America wanted to win the battle for which, it required its heavy male force at the battlegrounds. Because of heavy presence of male warriors at the battlegrounds, the economy of the state was at stake and required the participation of remaining people. Women were not a part of the battlefield armaments due to which, the government required them to work in place of men for the sustenance of economy (Anderson 69). Women were introduced to their new roles, which opened grounds for women to progress as a significant part of the society. The lives of women transformed from a typical domestic household women to industrial and business workers. There were a number of motivational factors for women that were employed by the government, press and social institutions such as display of patriotic zeal, financial advantages, autonomy and societal progress (Anderson 65). The war gave the women freedom and liberty. They were no more dependent on their husbands, fathers and sons for financial support. Although, this independence was temporary, however, the lives of women changed, as they were able to choice for themselves. World War II can be regarded as a turning point in transforming the roles of women that were previously assigned to them (Miller 58). Women were introduced to their new roles. They were able to show their capacity and competence for various kinds of works that were previously regarded as men’s works only. Women were able to exercise their liberty and depict their patriotic zeal. Previously, it was regarded that women can only work inside homes and can do domestic chores only. However, World War II opened new grounds for women. They were more independent, more capable and more social as compared to before. They handled their domestic affairs as well as their works. They maintained a balance in all the works that they performed. They were not only homemakers and domestic women but also working women who could face the challenges given to them. Works Cited Anderson, Karen. Wartime Women: Sex Roles, Family Relations, and the Status of Women during World War II. Westport: Greenwood Press, 1982. Babb, Ellen J. Women and War: St. Petersburg Women during World War II. The Florida Historical Quarterly 73 (1) (1994): pp. 43-61. Miller, Marc. Working Women and World War II. New England Quarterly 53 (1) (1980): 42-61. Ohmer, Susan, Female Spectatorship and Women's Magazines: Hollywood, Good Housekeeping, and World War II, Velvet Light Trap 25 (1990): 53-68. Read More