Evolving Types of Work
Social Movements Affect Jobs
Prior to the 1964 Civil Rights Act, employers discriminated on the basis of gender.
The Vindicator, Youngstown, Ohio August 1, 1960
Social movements in the 1950s and 1960s such as the Civil Rights and Women's Liberation Movements had a tremendous affect on the ways employers could advertise and hire employees. Prior to the 1960s, it was common place for employers to reserve specific jobs for male workers, leaving the lowest paying and least desirable jobs available for women. This changed with language and enforcement found in the 1964 Civil Right Act and the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission.
The 1940s provided women with experience working in male-dominated jobs. Once men returned, they pushed women out. Some women did not appreciate this and worked through social and cultural movements of the day to institute fair employment practices regardless of race, gender, religion, or ability. This led women to apply for and receive jobs in previously "male" jobs, with additional pay and benefits.
The work available in the Mahoning Valley is diverse. The area is known for its steel manufacturing, factory production, and service industries. Employers include General Motors, General Electric, local schools hospitals, steel mills, factories, private businesses, city and state offices, law firms, restaurants, hair salons, and the like.
"More than just co-workers, my work-mates are like family." Women expressed this sentiment often, regardless how difficult the work was.
Coworkers Show Support
Even though some faced challenges due to their gender, many coworkers saw each other as equals and family. When diagnosed with breast cancer, L.C., saw an outpouring of support from not just her own team but also many others in her union and beyond. In large numbers, they sported specially made t-shirts and attended the Panerathon 10k race. Their support helped raise money for the Joanie Abdu Breast Care Center. The workers continue to support the cause and L.C. has recovered and resumed her job.
Woman worked in many different sorts of jobs and the types of work available changed over time. Initially, women occupied traditionally "female" jobs such as salesgirls, waitresses, nurses, and teachers. WWII necessitated women war workers; later the law and social change integrated women into male-dominated workplaces.
After the war, women continued to move into "non-traditional" jobs, taking on blue collar work and developing new skills. Such work might not require a degree, but training, practice and expertise were necessary. Women also pursued more diverse jobs in white collar fields that required schooling. They demonstrated their proficiency and earned reputations as quality workers.
Rosemary Wagner wanted to be a chef. Her dreams were derailed due to pregnancy with her first child. Like many women, she worked many miscellaneous jobs before becoming a pipe fitter and welder. Even though she encountered discrimination, she fell in love with her job and is proud of her work.
Image courtesy of Rosemary Wagner
