how did the New Deal affected gender roles in American society
http://voices.yahoo.com/historical-evolution-female-social-gender-roles-822575.html
To understand how the New Deal affected gender roles in American society, we can examine the historical context, key policies, and the overall impact on women during that era.
The New Deal was a series of programs and reforms implemented by President Franklin D. Roosevelt in the 1930s in response to the Great Depression. It aimed to provide relief, recovery, and reform to the American economy and society. While the New Deal focused primarily on economic recovery, it also had unintended consequences on gender roles.
To determine the effect of the New Deal on gender roles, we can consider several key policies and initiatives:
1. The Works Progress Administration (WPA): The WPA was one of the most significant New Deal programs, providing employment for millions of Americans. While both men and women were employed by the WPA, there was a strong emphasis on gender segregation in job assignments. Typically, men were assigned to physically demanding jobs in construction or infrastructure projects, while women were often assigned to sewing, childcare, or clerical roles. This reinforced traditional gender stereotypes and roles.
2. National Recovery Administration (NRA): The NRA was established to promote fair competition and labor standards. It included provisions such as minimum wages, maximum working hours, and collective bargaining rights. While these policies improved working conditions for some women, they often excluded jobs predominantly held by women, such as domestic work or jobs in industries like textiles and garment manufacturing.
3. Social Security Act: The Social Security Act of 1935 provided a safety net for retired workers, the unemployed, and their dependents. However, the act initially excluded certain categories of workers, such as domestic and agricultural workers, who were predominantly women and people of color. This exclusion perpetuated existing gender and racial inequalities in the labor market.
Overall, while the New Deal programs aimed to provide relief and reform during the Great Depression, they did not fundamentally challenge traditional gender roles. Many policies inadvertently reinforced existing gender inequalities and limited opportunities for women to break away from traditional occupations.
To fully analyze the impact of the New Deal on gender roles, it's important to consult primary sources such as government reports, letters, and personal accounts from the time period. These sources can provide a deeper understanding of the experiences and perspectives of women during the New Deal era.