Essay about Women in the Workforce - 1679 Words

The sight of a working woman today is not something that causes one to look twice. However, this was not always the case. It was a long struggle for women to get to where they are today, and there is still a long way to go. There were a few momentous occasions throughout history that caused a shift in the way women were viewed as workers, such as the need for workers during World War II, the Equal Pay Act, and the appointment of Sandra Day O’Connor to the Supreme Court. Women have made great strides in integrating themselves into the workforce alongside men and continue to do so today. Throughout much of history, women have been viewed as inferior to men. In the 1800s and early 1900s, women were not allowed to hold the same jobs or†¦show more content†¦With the advent of protests one would think that rights would come quickly to prevent violence and more uprisings. Sadly, this was not the case. Women’s rights were slow to come and it would still be many years before they achieved even a semblance of equality to men. In the 1920s women became more independent and started to slowly gain rights (â€Å"Women of the Century†). Women’s suffrage was finally granted in 1920, which was a huge step towards equality for men and women. For the first time, women were able to vote on issues that mattered to them, which was extremely important in order to gain more rights. In 1923, the Equal Rights Amendment was first introduced, although it would not be passed in Congress until almost fifty years later. Despite these steps of progress, the Great Depression caused some setbacks. Due to the large numbers of unemployment, women were discouraged from â€Å"taking jobs† away from men (â€Å"Women of the Century). Some states even went so far as to pass laws prohibiting the hiring of women. World War II began quickly after this which greatly increased the number of women in the work force. World War II was the first time that women were greatly encouraged to join the workforce. Nearly 6 million women took industrial jobs such as steel plants, shipyards, and lumber mills at the urging of the government and media (â€Å"Women of the Century†). Because the men were away fighting inShow MoreRelatedWomen in the Workforce2845 Words   |  12 Pagesthink of would be from the 18th century when women at work meant women working in the household. The work that women did adhered to the patriarchal structure, such as cooking, cleaning and making clothes. Around the time of World War II work for women began to mean something different. Women were entering the paid labour force specifically during 1939-1945 when they were needed the most to help men in the war. When World War II started, Canadian men and women stepped up to help the British Empire duringRead MoreEssay on Women and the Workforce3909 Words   |  16 PagesWomen and the Workforce From the days of Suffragettes to the ERA amendment of the late 1970s, women have fought for equal rights in a male dominated world. During every war, from ancient times to modern, women took over the traditional male working rolls to keep the economy going as men fought on the battle front. After every war women were pushed back into the home and made to return to rolls of housewife and mother. This battle of the female to be seen and appreciated as more than justRead MoreEssay about Women in the Workforce 1541 Words   |  7 Pagesstandards. Women previously have been looked at as homemakers, housewives, subordinates. In this new century, this has changed dramatically. Not only have women sought extensive amounts of education, they have sought means to expand and solidify their skills. Although women continue to face discrimination, the qualifications of the playing field have leveled out. According to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics (2012), in 2011, women accounted for 47 percent of the workforce (ages 16 andRead MoreEssay On Women In Our Workforce780 Words   |  4 PagesTime article that we read gave us a look at women’s changing role in America’s workforce, how they feel about this new revolution, and some first hand accounts of being a woman in a â€Å"man’s world.† The Article begins by giving us a look at how women’s role in our workforce is changing from secondary to equal or maybe even surpassing men’s role. It predicted that by 2009 there would be more women working in our workforce than men for the first time in U.S. history. These first two pages give an overarchingRead MoreThe Role Of Women During The Workforce Debate2556 Words   |  11 Pagesoften debated topic in today’s society. The perception of women in the workforce debate is fueled and, sometimes confused, by how data is sliced and analyzed. The debate is further confused by looking across geographical and cultural norms. For example,100 years ago, in Europe, women held jobs working long hours in factories, as nurses, cleaning homes of the wealthy, and were even craftswomen. Meanwhile, 100 years ago, in the United States, women stayed home to take care of the family/home, while menRead MoreGeneral Workforce Issues for Women Globally1477 Words   |  6 Page sThe textile industry is an immediate topic of discussion when examining female working conditions globally. Today, with 1.3 billion women employed, females constitute 52% of the participation in the workforce (Source #2). Despite their large participation and slow move towards occupation acceptance in the developed world, women still face many trials that stem from gender-based discrimination, especially within developing countries. The textile and garment industry constitutes most likely the largestRead MoreEssay on The Glass Ceiling for Women in the Workforce1119 Words   |  5 Pagesgain equality in treatment, rights, and everyday living standards. Women are included amongst these groups. At one point in history women were not allowed to vote or carry the same positions as men in work. Due to amendments and affirmative action these hindrances for women have been abolished. What still remains to day is the inner struggle within jobs also known as glass ceilings? Glass ceilings are daily obstacles for most women in their jobs every day. As country of equal opportunity should weRead MoreEssay on The Pros and Cons of Women Leaders in The Workforce2036 Words   |  9 PagesWomen, in today’s society are facing dilemmas in different occupations as they become more suitable for leadership positions. â€Å"Traditional definitions of leadership are challenged by the changing demographic of society in the United States, increasing numbers of women in leadership roles in the counseling profession, and shifting expectations in the workplace† (Levitt 66). Although, women status has improved over the past century, they are still lacking access to power and leadership compared toRead MoreThe Role of British Muslim Women in Society and Workforce1723 Words   |  7 Pagesreligious leadership and progressive gender development will be studied. The role of religious leadership in British society will first be observed focusing namely on Imam leadership. Foll owing this will be an exploration of the role of Muslim women in society and workforce. There are various roles in Islamic religious leadership; such as a Muezzin or Caliph. However this essay will look at the changing role of the Imam to best illustrate developments. Imams are the most dominate type of Islamic leadershipRead MoreWomen in the Workforce: From World War II To Present1080 Words   |  4 PagesWomen in the Workforce: From World War II to Present Undeniably, the outlook of women in the workforce changed following the advent of World War II. Traditionally, the role of caretaker of the house and home was assigned to the woman. Society and institutions facilitated, accepted and supported this way of thinking and way of life. Working outside the home was considered a mans job. A woman expressing an interest in being anything other than a homemaker and wife was frowned upon. Accepted was