22nd Annual Student Research Conference
Fighting the Uphill Battle:
A Historical Interpretation of the Socio-Economic Progression From Wage-Earning to Professional Women in Post-World War II America
Kara E. Fillman
Dr. David Robinson, Faculty Mentor
Historically, women have been considered an integral part of home life, but when they have dared to transgress the traditional social boundaries of their gender by entering the working world outside of the home, questions have been raised relating to society's expectations of them as women, wives, and mothers. By focusing on the socio-economic factors that influenced working women in post-World War II America, we are able to gain insight into how stereotypical gender roles established by the traditionally patriarchal society of the United States have been challenged over time. By tracing the journey of wage-earning women through the last fifty years of American history, a fluid narrative of wage-earning women in America begins to develop allowing for interpretation as to the effects of wage-earning women on American society, the working world, and traditional family life.
Keywords: Post World War II America, Working Women, Gender Roles
Topic(s):History
Interdisciplinary
Presentation Type: Oral Paper
Session: 42-4
Location: OP 2115
Time: 2:00