Historical Analysis and Arguments

Academics have questioned whether or not WWII played a role in the forward movement of women in the workplace. Many of the articles read for the completion of this project did not supply a definitive answer to this question. Although, many did argue possibilities presented to women during WWII were positive. Many historians chose to analyze the different identities and roles women were given throughout this time period with many focusing on World War Two and the aftermath. What has been concluded, is the role women played in the war was counter to the roles given to them when hostilities ended. When the country entered the Cold War era, the idea of the American family was engrained so thoroughly into society women found themselves caught up in their new roles as housewives. Reconciling their new dependent role with the ones they had played during the war caused discourse among women and the media. It is debated if this discourse contributed to the second-wave feminist movement because of women's need to free themselves from their oppressed roles.