During World War II women's roles became much more patriotic. The tasks that used to be considered unladylike were now "patriotic duties." Women entered the work force on a massive scale, planted "victory gardens", recycled, rationed food and gas, volunteered at the Red Cross, and even joined the armed services.
As the men left to go to war, the women were left to pick up the slack. Not only was it their job to take care of their families but also to keep society moving forward in an effort to bring forth success in the war. This was often not an easy decision for women, especially mothers. They were hesitant to step into the previously male dominated industrial workforce due to their previously known social norms. The government, however, made an effort to ease the anxieties of these women through propaganda campaigns. Rosie the Riveter was a massive icon ("We can do it!"). They also produced films showing how the work they would be doing was similar to the work they were already doing in the home (ex. cutting airplane parts in analogy to cutting out a dress).
Propaganda also wanted to make sure that women knew that their work was only temporary. Women were going to need to give these jobs back to the men when they returned home. It was made clear that women belonged at home taking care of their children. While the women were away at work they allowed family members to take care of their children. On the other hand many women did not have child-care plans in place. When the government eventually set up day-care programs for young children, they were barely about to keep up with the current demand.
( Evans, Sara M. "Women at War." Born for Liberty: A History of Women in America. New York: Free, 1989. 219-241. Print.)
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