American History

By comparing conditions pre- and post-World War II, the article discusses the evolution of how society views women, as well as the factors that influenced this change. In general, the author made use of survey results, print (broadsheets and magazines) and broadcast (television (TV) programs) media portrayal of womens role, statistics, and relevant literature such as Betty Friedans The Feminine Mystique to show this evolution.

According to the author, before the war, women were welcomed, and even encouraged, to handle dual roles of a mother and wife, as well as of a professional who is able to make her way up the career ladder. In fact, some women were paid the same, or even higher, rates than their husbands. During World War II, when most of the men were in battle, the government did a massive hiring of women to work on jobs that were previously reserved for men alone. Most women agreed to do this in response to the governments call for patriotism as the then famous icon, Rosie the Riveter, symbolizes. However, patriotism was not the only factor that led women to accept manly jobs it was also because of the need to earn extra income for the family to augment their husbands usually low military pay.

At the closing of World War II, men went back to their homes, and this, in turn, brought about major changes in the roles of women. The husbands expected that as they let go of their firearms and ammunitions, their wives would also let go of their secular jobs to return to their original role of a wife, mother, and housekeeper all rolled into one. Because of this, most women were forced to quit their jobs and take care of their family. For some who refused to do so, they were frowned upon not just by their family, but also by the society as a whole.

The author points to one key factor in the evolution of womens role as dictated by society  mass media. TV programs, for instance, often portrayed a happy family composed of a father, a mother, and their children, and typecast the men as the providers for the family while the women are responsible for ensuring that the family is well taken care of. Womens fashion, as depicted in magazines and movies, also underwent an overhaul  from a masculine look (like that of Rosie the Riveters) to a stylish and elegant feminine look.

However, in discussing the role that mass media plays in defining the role of women, the author presents two theories  reflection versus manipulation. On one hand, mass media is seen as merely reflecting the norms in the society, thus having very little effect on established views and traditions. On the other hand, mass media is described as rather influential and manipulative because of the images it shows which somehow condition and change the mindset of the viewers, as in the case of I Love Lucy.
 
Though I agree that mass media is powerful in molding the minds especially of young people, the decision on how much influential it can be in our lives depends on us. We can either let it sway us to deviate from the principles that our families have espoused, or let it guide us towards a better outlook in life.

Similarly, the role of women in society can and should be decided by women themselves. They can either choose to pursue a financially-rewarding career to support their family, stay at home and look after the needs of their children and husbands, or take on both roles at the same time.

I think the authors view was leaning towards the extreme end that women should be treated equally as men and that they should not be confined to the four walls of their homes. However, we should also bear in mind that some women actually opt to be homemakers and housewives, not because they are forced to, but because this is what really fulfills them as a woman. In such cases, women should not be branded as conservative, old-fashioned or afraid of getting their feet wet in the secular and corporate world.

The article would have been more balanced if it showed positive testimonials from happy housewives and mothers, and considered the reasons behind their choice.