The changing role of women in post-war Britain
I can recall that many women remained in the workforce after WW2, and that women would campaign for equal pay and treatment.
The changing role of women in post-war Britain
I can recall that many women remained in the workforce after WW2, and that women would campaign for equal pay and treatment.
These resources will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- During WW2, many women entered the workforce or were conscripted into military support services.
- In the late 1940s, labour shortages meant women were encouraged to re-enter the labour market.
- Women were seen as secondary workers and were paid less than men.
- Women campaigned for equal pay throughout the 1950s and 1960s, with teachers granted equal pay in 1955.
- Many married women undertook paid work in the 1960s but still faced significant discrimination.
Keywords
Conscript - to call someone up for compulsory military service
Labour shortage - when there are not enough workers to meet demand
Common misconception
Students might not realise that women as well as men were conscripted during WW2.
In 1940, single women aged 20-30, and widowed women without children, were conscripted into war work.
Content guidance
- Depiction or discussion of discriminatory behaviour
- Depiction or discussion of violence or suffering
Supervision
Adult supervision recommended
Licence
This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2024), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0 except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions (Collection 2).
Lesson video
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