Essay On The Role Of Women In America During The 1960's And 1970

Imagine being told it was “your own concern” that you were pregnant, and for this, you will be unemployed. Imagine not being able to open a credit card without your husband being the cosigner. What if you had the grades, but were denied the right into an Ivy league school, simply because you were a women? Or if one of your job requirements was “attractiveness”? Although bewildering, this was the reality for the women in America during the 1960’s and 1970’s.
While America was at war, women took over the jobs in the factories as men were away. Women quickly picked up “male-dominated” jobs such as welding and riveting. Women were essential in making sure there were products and supplies to send over to the troops. Their efforts countered the misconception that women were unable to perform manual

Although women were willing to replace the jobs of men, many employers refused to pay them equally. Their jobs were considered to be “female” jobs and were paid a “female” income. They believed that equal pay was unnecessary considering the veterans would return and retain their position. Not only did women take on the jobs on the homefront, they were also in uniform overseas. They also volunteered and joined the Armed services: Women’s Army Auxiliary Corps, the Navy Women’s Reserve, the Marine Corps Women’s Reserve, the Coast Guard Women’s Reserve, the Women Airforce Service Pilots, the Army Nurses Corps, and the Navy Nurse Corps. “Rosie the Riveter” became the face of working women. With her red bandana, she has become one of the most iconic fictional characters in American history. Once the veterans returned, they were given their previous jobs.