American Women in World War II - Essay Example

American women during WWII played a huge role. There were many notable woman that allowed women to prosper. During World War II, it was clear that more than 350,000 women served in the U.S. military, both domestically and internationally. From past history, this is a staggering figure considering that women never played a crucial role during wars. This was because of society morals, but WWII truly changed that. Most of them were women’s air force Service pilots that not only served in the military but domestically as well. It was evident that women become multi-dimensional during this time period as they had to juggle both domestic and military affairs. World War II was a focal point in American history because it gave rise to social reform throughout the nation. Women and African Americans in particular were two groups that were able to take an opportunity to break their “cult of domesticity”. For the first time in history, women were able to acquire employment in industries that were produced goods for the war. Furthermore, women were able to propagate to concentrate their efforts for the war by staffing and organizing relief efforts along with pushing mass movements of food conservation. This was the first time women broke cult of domesticity. As a matter of fact, one of the most Rosie Riveter of “We can do it.” Rosie the Riveter became the symbol of hope for America as women entered the work face. The strong bicep pose down motivated Americans to work harder and manifest American individualism. This individualism was because of Rosie the riveter, who propagated for Americanism. A country where opportunities are prevalent and individualism is propagated is truly an element that makes this country exceptional. Hence, America continues to be exceptional because of the opportunities, firm belief in changing status quo, and diversity that it has celebrated over the centuries For the first time in American history, women became a critical element that manifested the depiction of strong rather than weak. It was the first time in American history where the clash of gender roles was not prevalent. The paradigm shift of women independence throughout American history is the testament towards this change. First and foremost, most women tend to be the housewife in a family structure and depend on their husbands. In the traditional household structure, the husband is the “bread winner” and the most embraces the role of a traditional housewife or the cult of domesticity. Due to this financial dependence, most women are obliged to stay with their husbands. Women lead roles in industry and factories as well. They become a catalyst for renovation and earning money because women finally took on multiple roles. This was also crucial for the nationalistic movement in USA. One must in cognizant of the elements that the circumstances were inevitable. The new dawn of the world dictated that nations must be strong of their culture, heritage, and most importantly- their country. With this fueling their ego, war became a necessary element. Another element of nationalism was fueled largely by the notion of self-sustaining nations that were produced at the dawn of the industrial era. The likes of Gage and other women played a crucial role in developing this during WWII. A huge issue that plagued women during WWI was gender inequality. Gender inequality is one of the most pivotal points of emphasis and observation in American discourse. Gender stratifications are defined as social inequalities between men and women. Gender inequality remains to be a focal point for several reasons. Gender role is an intriguing subject that takes into account of several aspects. One can argue that gender roles emerge from culture due to various reasons. Cultures adhere to gender roles because they assign responsibilities to each gender based on family needs. For example, women in eastern cultures have to follow the cult of domesticity. The idea of gender disparity in school, government and overall progression of women is clearly hindered in the growth for organizations. This was a huge barrier for women who wanted to enter the arm forces because they were suppressed by this gender disparity. Many males who have hard time finding employment are “stay home” dads who raise children and take care of the house. In America and other European nations, gender roles are vague. Since so much emphasis is based on individualism, gender roles can be derived from biological values but culture plays a more critical role. Culture in essence defines the dynamic components of family and social values. The idea of gender discourse was so prevalent throughout America that it sparked a cry for reformation. The ideology of the Republican Motherhood, was one of the original groups that challenged the lack of development of female secular education because it dramatically sifts away from the traditional mindset. Since the Republican motherhood revolved around the concept of liberty, independence, and democracy; the primary focus revolved around making women independent from the rule of men. During this time period, it was crucial that the focal point for propagating for women rights was crucial. As a matter of fact, the ideology of the Republican Motherhood is critical for the development of female secular education because it dramatically sifts away from the traditional mindset. Since the Republican motherhood revolved around the concept of liberty, independence, and democracy; the primary focus revolved around making women independent from the rule of men. One cannot diminish that this was during the time of revolutionary war where the women were induced to follow the “cult of domesticity.” The ideology would impact public school academics because it would force the school board to invest in secular education for females. As society dwelled into urbanization, the notions that women wanted a stronger man never changed. Fertility rates have plunged globally as life spans have increased. However, there are some benefits for an aging population. One of the key advantages of an aging society is the fact that the labor force is solidified. Hence factory work never changed the notion of a female being the bread winner in the family. A huge discrepancy that was prevalent was during the pay. Conducive research states that female workers earned more 50% of male wages. This was also the first movement in which the question of gender inequality was addressed as women left the “cult of domesticity”. It is quite pivotal to understand that American political movements were key catalyst to channel social reform as well. One of the most influential figures regarding is Eleanor Roosevelt that was influential figure. Although she never fought in the front line, she was one of the most inspirational figures. Estelle Gage Coleman was one of the most important notable figures in WWII. The US army had fewer than 1,000 nurses and Army nurse served the American army. Just like the military casualties, they also suffered injuries. Conducive research indicates that two hundred and one Army nurses died in the front battles. One of the first Army nurse to die while on duty was killed in a tragic plane crash was Estelle Gage. Gage was one of the fewest nurses that volunteered for services in US Army. She was also one of the notorious individuals that assisted patients. As a nurse, Gage displayed not only comradely but also leadership. One must be cognizant of the fact that sanitation conditions were not really defined during WWII. Gage took the initiative to ensure that sanitation standards were med and facilitated the initiative for women to take a proactive role in the army. Another notorious figure in American history as a woman was Florence Nightingale’s exceptional work proved to be critical as it established hygienic conditions that dramatically enhanced the quality of care given to patients. She was one of the leaders as a military nurse that provided exceptional care and even introduced the concept of environmental theory. The Environmental Theory established a solid foundation of nursing care plan. In this particular theory, the role of the nurse was to accommodate the patient by facilitating him or her to rehabilitate from the usual environment. A patient’s surrounding is so critical is due to the fact that it can dramatically affect their health. Some of the key environmental factors that can dictate a patient’s health consist of: fresh air, sanitized water, good food, and effective drainage. Moreover, she emphasized that patients should receive sunlight, which can enhance their health conditions as sun light can be extremely beneficial. If any of these factors are lacking, it can undoubtedly delay the recovery time for the patient. In addition, Nightingale also insisted on providing a safe, quiet, and nurturing environment in which patients can recover. Nightingale’s discovery in health medicine was crucial because it lead to best business practices. Betty Jacobs was another notorious figure that attended Laila Haller School of Dance on Canal Street. When the army needed individuals to boost the morale, Betty Jacobs took a huge initiative. She started dancing the “Yankee Doodle Dandy” with some servicemen that included the cast. This show was crucial because it boosted the morale of the American soldiers fighting in the front lines. Additionally, it gave confidence to defeat the evil Nazi German Army. It was crucial to under that Betty did all this as volunteering and was pivotal for patriotism. Without the advent of women being proactive, this could never occur. Mary Barkei Marler was another notable figure that played a pivotal role in Navy Nurse Corps during World War II. Mary was in 1944 to go overseas in hospital, one of her famous quotes was, and “Never as long as I live will I forget or regret this trip. Now after nearly a year and a half of so called Navy life, I may have a chance to do what I came in for." Her adversity is clearly manifested as she helped more than 10,000 patients. Additionally, she send candlesticks and letter openers to army men who were missing home. She was also crucial in developing women rights. One of the most discrepant values that have been depicted in todays society is the fact that a women that respects her modesty is defined as an oppressed women. Before the advent of social movements, society respected a womans choice to dress modestly. However, it is clear that in todays society this is considered to be defined as "suppressed value." Women are often demoralized and suppressed in a patriarchal society because they are bound to be sold as sex symbols. Sylvia Cohen was a notable woman that was a great role model. While Rose the Riveter was a notable poster girl, it was the efforts of Sylvia. Sylvia was part of a group WIVES( Women Insure Victory, Equality Security). This became more of an organization and was another group that facilitate the conquest for women. Sylvia contributed to many core elements such as providing for their husband. They also wanted to maintain the morale and provide them for any possible manner they could. Their main focal point was to bring the soldiers back home and assist them to win the war. Although it was easier than done, the role of Sylvia was extremely influential. The WIVES organization again was not only crucial in WWII but became a crucial element in forming groups of women collaboration. It is clear that many notable women played a critical role during WWII to ensure the Americans were well-prepared mentally and physically. Without the efforts of notable women such as Eleanor Roosevelt, Mary Barkei Marler, Betty Jacobs, and Gage were truly vital towards American success in WWII. Since the ending of WWII, minorities and women were continuously being denied of opportunities that could further enhance their growth. However, these women made it possible for American society to transform over the years for equal opportunities. Works Cited "American Women in World War II." History.com. Accessed November 30, 2014. http://www.history.com/topics/world-war-ii/american-women-in-world-war-ii. Anderson, Benedict R. O. Imagined communities: reflections on the origin and spread of nationalism. Rev. and extended ed. London: Verso, 1991. Print. Kedourie, Elie. Nationalism. 4th, expanded ed. Oxford, UK: Blackwell, 1993. Print. "nationalism." Merriam-Webster. Merriam-Webster, n.d. Web. 22 Oct. 2014. . Hampton, Ellen. Women of Valor: The Rochambelles on the WWII Front. New York: Palgrave Macmillan, 2006. McKay, Sinclair. The Secret Life of Bletchley Park: The WWII Codebreaking Centre and the Men and Women Who Worked There. Pbk. ed. London: Aurum Press, 2011. Read More