Social impact on Women

The impact on women

How did the female proportion of the workforce change during the Depression?

The female proportion of the total workforce increased during the Depression years

Why did the Depression reignite debate about married women working?

The onset of depression and the dismissal of millions of workers revived debate over whether married women should continue to be employed

What law was passed in May 1932 regarding married women?

In May 1932 a law was passed allowing married women civil servants to be dismissed, representing a right-wing success against so-called double earners

How limited was the May 1932 law?

The law applied only to central government employees and women could be dismissed only if it could be proven their economic circumstances were secure

Why was the law symbolically important?

It was an important symbolic victory for those who believed married women should not be employed outside the home

What impact did the law have on employment in practice?

After the law was passed, the Reich Postal Service dismissed about 1,000 married women

What was the overall impact on women’s rights?

The cause of equal rights for women suffered a serious setback during the Depression