World War II dramatically advanced women in society by breaking gender barriers, changing women’s fashion trends, and propelling women into the workforce. Women took on new roles and responsibilities, fashion trends became more practical and functional rather than purely aesthetic, and the war created a higher demand for workers, leading to a higher rate of contribution by women in the workforce and the war effort. World War II’s demand for female workers led to a change in gender roles and a permanent impact on women’s societal status. “American women were instrumental in the war effort during World War II. With ever-growing orders for war materials combined with so many men overseas fighting the war, women were called upon to work in ways …show more content…
The need for women’s help in the workforce proved their capability and began to break the existing stereotype about women’s work ethic and abilities. Another reason why women joined the workforce during the war was an economic necessity. Because men were typically the family's money-makers, families struggled with the men off to war and were left with no access to a stable income. This issue pressured women to enter the workforce, and many women began working full-time jobs to afford to care for their families, ultimately leading to a higher rate of financial freedom. The government and media campaigns during the war advertised working in war industries as a patriotic duty for women. “Rosie the Riveter” was seen as a role model and symbol of female empowerment which encouraged women to contribute to the workforce. This sense of national pride and duty propelled women into roles traditionally held by men and helped to change societal views of women in the workforce. World War II transformed women’s fashion into simpler and more functional styles due to fabric shortages, new work positions, and changing social