Though some workplaces portray men and women as working equally alongside each other, gender roles play a part in often affecting the experiences and occupations of both men and women.
Women in the workplace
Traditionally, women have worked in the home. The image of women as mothers, wives, and homemakers has been consistent throughout American history, and is still visible in homes today. In the nineteenth century, women's behavior was regulated by a social system (known today as the "cult of domesticity". This social system limited women's sphere of influence to the home and the family, and women were responsible for creating a clean, comfortable, and nurturing home for their husbands and children.
During the Civil War, women began to turn their attention to things happening outside the home. Thousands signed up to volunteer as nurses or brigades, and this was the first time in American history that women became a significant role in the war effort.
"...Universally in this country, through every class of society, precedence is given to woman in all the comforts, conveniences, and courtesies of life. In civil and political affairs, American women take no interest or concern, except so far as they sympathize with their family and personal friends..." - excerpt from Catherine Beecher's, “Peculiar Responsibilities of American Women”
![Picture](/uploads/9/3/2/0/93202712/published/we-can-do-it_2.jpg?1484639633)
During World War II, certain iconography, such as this poster,was popularized, symbolizing women's efforts in the workplace. Because the Second World War was a total war, the American government found it necessary to utilize the entire American population for the purpose of defeating the enemy. Women were encouraged to take the jobs in factories and shipyards that the men had left behind, and during WWII, nearly 19 million women held jobs.
Women working in factory jobs were paid lower wages, and were likely returning to jobs after having been laid off during the Depression. Though they spent all day working in factories during WWII, women were also expected to return to their jobs as homemakers when the men returned from war.
"All the day long whether rain or shine, She’s a part of the assembly line, She’s making history, working for victory..." - "Rosie The Riveter", a song written by Redd Evans and John Jacob Loeb
Women working in factory jobs were paid lower wages, and were likely returning to jobs after having been laid off during the Depression. Though they spent all day working in factories during WWII, women were also expected to return to their jobs as homemakers when the men returned from war.
"All the day long whether rain or shine, She’s a part of the assembly line, She’s making history, working for victory..." - "Rosie The Riveter", a song written by Redd Evans and John Jacob Loeb
This poster, painted by J. Howard Miller, shouting the words "We Can Do It!" encouraged women in the workplace during World War II, and has since become a cultural icon and symbol of feminism worldwide.
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Evans, Redd, and John j. Loeb. "Rosie The Riveter." , 1942.Accessed 17 Jan. 2017.
The Emergence of Feminine Communication in the Workplace. Kansas State
University, 2007, www.k-state.edu/actr/2007/04/20/5/default.htm. Accessed 5
Jan. 2017.
Miller, J. Howard. Rosie the Riveter. 1943.
The Emergence of Feminine Communication in the Workplace. Kansas State
University, 2007, www.k-state.edu/actr/2007/04/20/5/default.htm. Accessed 5
Jan. 2017.
Miller, J. Howard. Rosie the Riveter. 1943.