Women in the Workforce

Throughout history women worked along side men. Even when tasks were gender specific, women’s work was seen as necessary and valuable for the support of the family.

Domestic Service

Industrial Revolution – Factory Work

The Feminization of Office Work

• Jobs paid better than Domestic Service (but less than men for the same work) and were more “respectable” than factory work

• Women were expected to stop working if they married

Women stepped into factory jobs during WWII but were expected to give up working so that returning

soldiers could take the jobs.

While some women enjoy the “ideal” life of the suburban housewife, many women were left feeling unsatisfied in a society that was telling them their lives were perfect.

Women who did work were often limited to occupations seen as appropriate for women • Nurse• Secretary• Teacher• Service industry