Final Paper
Karri A. Hackley
History 204
Juli Gatling Book
September 17, 2012

While women once had few life options beyond isolation in the domestic sphere, what historical developments presented new opportunities for women in society? In my opinion, I think that the two wars, World War I and World War II did a lot to help women to get out of the kitchens. Prior to the twentieth century, women had few opportunities. Marriage, housewife, and child bearing were what a woman could look forward to in life. Although taking care of a home and tending to her children and spouse would seem to be a fulfilling life for a woman, there were some women with interests and skills that could not utilize them due to the conformity that she had thrust upon her by society (Bowels, 2011). Even though women did have a say in some areas of her life and household, she did not have any authority in society. A woman’s body was not even considered her own when she was married, but her husband’s. Back then, women lived in a male dominated world. First her father and then her husband had sole authority and domination over her (Smith, 2002). Even any assets that a woman would bring into the house did not belong to her, but to her husband. These would include any income or inheritance she would receive. All of which would become the property of her husband. Over the course of the history of woman’s suffrage, in general women had less career opportunities than the men. Parenthood and being the good wife were considered as women’s most important jobs. Although birth rates fell in the nineteenth century, motherhood became a full time occupation for women, rather than one task amongst many for both parents. Women remained largely outside political life, but enjoyed access to education. Plus they developed their own institutions for a distinctive female discourse. Over the course of the