Women in the 1930s

The period of the Great Depression up until WWII deeply shaped women worker’s experience in the labor force. During this time there were more women in the workforce and engaging in organizational activity. The New Deal impacted women by giving them better working conditions and it also helped them create more organized labor. Additionally, it overcame some prejudices against non-white female workers. Nevertheless, sexism and racism were still present. While the New Deal helped women already in the workforce, it did little to accommodate the 2 million women who were out of work. The New Deal’s public work projects did not provide many opportunities for women. The Civil Works Administration employed four million people in its projects but claimed that the work was “unsuitable” for women. In 1935 the WPA did launch successful relief projects for women but they were still difficult to obtain for some. All of these combining circumstances led women to organize more than ever to secure their consumer and labor rights

The Great Depression did affect male workers more than it did for women. This was because the main industries that were hit the hardest were the heavy industries including, steel, rubber, and chemicals. These industries were dominated by male workers. Moreover, the industries dominated by women were able to recover faster than the heavier industries. The rate of unemployment for males was higher than women and it was more difficult for men to find work. This was because there were more opportunities for women like teaching, nursing, domestic house cleaning, and working from home.

Nonetheless, women did suffer during the Great Depression. Many women had to find jobs because their husbands got laid off or their wages were cut. This was especially hard for older married women who could not do as much physical labor. One third of depression-era work force was comprised of married women which was a 50% increase from the 1920s. Their wages were very low; in sewing and toy production it amounted to only five dollars a week.  Two million women were seeking jobs in 1931 and by 1933 the number had doubled. For single mothers, being unemployed was life threatening.  

African American women in particular suffered from the depression. This was because many lost their jobs as domestic house cleaners to white women who were looking for work in the depression. In some cities they were forced to stand on city corners known as “slave markets” waiting to be hired for low-pay labor. African american women who working in agriculture were not much better off.  Southern sharecroppers did not live in good conditions even before the depression and their poverty was amplified during this time. The Department of Agriculture paid landowners not to farm in order to raise crop prices. This caused tenant farmers to lose their homes and jobs. In 1935, 25% of african american women were receiving government relief payments.

With Roosevelt’s New Deal women became more prominent in the government. These women used their position in government to advocate for other women. Some women appointed to government positions include Frances Perkins the secretary of labor. Overall, the Great Depression challenged women to organize together and was a transitionary period for the women’s workforce.