Conclusion

How Feminism was Impacted      

     During World War II those not serving were encouraged to take jobs supporting the war effort. During war time women were encouraged to work outside the home. More women working independently at first seems like a step towards achieving equality. However, women were encouraged to take jobs that supported the war effort and the men serving overseas. In other words they moved from one supporting role to another, it was not independence but another form of subordination. Although there was an increase in the number of women working outside the home after WWII, the real motive for promoting this was to sustain the economy and support the war effort until the men were able to return home. The intention of the propaganda encouraging women to work outside the home was not to give them economic independence. Following the war women were encouraged to leave behind their jobs and return back to traditional family life. There was a movement encouraging the resurgence of family values after the end of World War II. This movement centered on fixing the ideal family life that had been disrupted by the war.(11)  

What This Means Today

     The social structure, during World War II, that existed because of gender roles is still seen in society today. Women are still shamed for their independence -sexually, socially, and economically. Women are more than two times more likely to be bullied in high school than men are for having sex.(12) There is prominent over-sexualizing of women by the media and negative portrayal is given of women who are willingly sexualized.(13) Women are still portrayed as temptresses. Like venereal disease posters did the media associates women’s sexual independence negatively. Women of color continue to be treated inferior to white women. They suffer disparity because of their gender as well as the color of their skin. The gender roles that continued to develop in WWII culture are still seen in how we view women today. 

Author:  Maret Wibel