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Much like after the first World War, women were discouraged from taking up space in the workforce when men were also in need of jobs. This shows negative continuity, as women continued to be shamed for taking on a traditionally masculine role on their own terms.
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The 1930's were an extremely difficult time for most families. Unemployment was high, meaning the sense of pride men took from being providers was gone.
Being discouraged and even banned from acquiring jobs of their own to preserve opportunities for men, women were helpless in the face of economic collapse. -
As their husbands and brothers were off fighting overseas, Canadian women showed a dramatic increase in the workforce. This was mainly in manufacturing weapons, vehicles and other resources to be shipped to the troops. Going to work was seen as a noble act of patriotism, an important contribution to the war effort.
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Though women were paid less for the same work and eventually forced to quit, it was this collective accomplishment that inspired many women to pursue a career. Women saw that having goals other than motherhood didn't necessarily mean being selfish or overshadowing men. It was this national unity that inspired real, lasting change.
