The Great Depression’s Effect on Women
In October 1929, the Great Depression began with a stock market crash. Spending and investment dramatically decreased until the depression’s end in 1933. By that time, almost half the banks in the country had failed and approximately 15 million Americans were unemployed (History.com editors). American women were especially affected by what is said to be the greatest economic downturn in history. The Great Depression of the 1930s largely impacted many women across the United States, whether it was juggling housework and a new career or struggling to make ends meet.
Women across the country faced a multitude of new opportunities during the Great Depression. Common positions for women were jobs as teachers,
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One common household phrase of the time was, “Use it up, wear it out, make it do, or do without.” This encouraged frugality within the home during trying times (Encyclopedia.com editors). Many families stopped going to church during the Great Depression because they lacked appropriate clothing and did not have enough money for contributions. Older people often doubled up with their sons and daughters’ families to save money. Women often felt responsible for supplying emotional support for the family, which was draining. They contributed greatly to family maintenance and lacked proper recognition. As for couples, marriage rates were at an all time low. In 1929, there were 10.1 marriages per thousand people. By 1932, there were 7.9 marriages per thousand people. In 1938, an estimated 1.5 million people had to postpone their marriages because of the depression. Many of these temporary cancellations became permanent (Milkman). As the economy recovered, though, marriage rates did the same (Hill). In 1935, the proportion of single women aged 25-30 was 30% higher than the proportion in the cohort 5 years younger. Childbearing rates also decreased significantly (Milkman). In summary, women dealt with new issues in the home during the Great Depression, such as