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1920s Women's Roles

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The role of women in society has been greatly overseen in the last few decades. In the early days women were seen as wives who were intended to cook, clean, and take care of the kids. While men took care of having jobs and paying any bills that had to be paid. Women have made vast improvements in their lifestyles in the past few decades from holding positions in governments, to simple things like getting a job and supporting themselves. In 1920’s, all women were given the right to vote. In the 1930's, the roles of men and women varied greatly. From the workplace to the home, the expectancies were different. The views of both genders were also very different. And things kept changing from one decade to another. The role of women and their importance …show more content…
Men were coming back from war and taking their jobs back. After the war many women wanted to keep their jobs. Between 1946 and 1964, the largest generation of Americans, known as the baby boomers was born. Many women became wives and mothers as the men came back from war. A majority of women were pregnant within 7 months of their wedding. Getting married right out of high school or while in college was considered a norm. The number of girls who entered college dropped during the 50s. Many women left college early to marry after the war and other women who did stay were not planning on working towards a job. “Despite societal norms that encouraged women to stay in the home and out of the workplace, approximately forty percent of women with young children, and at least half of women with older children, chose to remain in the workforce.” (Women in the 1950’s”) Women were expected to stay home and take care of their children, but many women decided to continue working, they were considered selfish. “During the 1950s, marriage and homeownership rates skyrocketed, so there is no doubt that many Americans were content to pursue the “American dream.” (Women in the 1950’s”) Many American goals became buying a house and settling down with their family, and for that they needed money. “In 1950, 29 percent of the American workforce was female, and that share increased through the decade.” (Hammond) The number of women working increased each year. Even with their husbands back from war, many women chose to continue working. “Half the female workforce was over 35 years old, but 40 percent of married women with small children also held a job”

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