Summary and Argument
The principal author’s point is discussing the gender influence on society’s perception of the human personality and the legislative restrictions in the America of 1930, which affected the gender ideology. The author analyzes the letters of the American citizens who ask the government to respect women’s rights and allow them to work and have fair pay. The argument is based on the ideological difficulties of gender. The author states that there were two principal positions concerning this topic in letters. Some women desired to stay at home, while others fought for their right to work equally with men.
Primary and Secondary Sources
Primary sources include references to articles that discuss gender ideology. The articles “The Culture of the Thirties” and “To Work and to Wed” are examples of primary sources the author uses. Secondary sources include all the mentioned letter fragments as they provide additional information on the topic. National Archives and Record Groups of 1933 are examples of secondary sources. The Women’s Bureau data can also be considered a secondary source.
Article Significance
The discussed topic is significant for American history understanding. The analysis of the workers’ letters helps to view the course of history from the perspective of ordinary people. I learned that in 1930, the government passed legislation that strongly prohibited both members of the family work simultaneously. Women’s positions presented in letters helped me understand that gender stereotypes harmed their lives. Not only were they fired, but they also had to cope with the men’s humiliating attitude caused by the governmental decisions.
Perspective
Providing the letter analysis, the author changed my understanding of American history. Now tolerant country once had the dictating character and encouraged discrimination. Nowadays’ a respectful attitude toward each other results from the dramatic event described in the paper. The government turned the politics toward respect. Due to the past problems, the government now encourages people’s tolerance.
Things to Remember
- Modern social contributions are the result of past society’s negative experiences.
- Gender perceptions can never determine the role of the people in society. The Depression times showed that this leads the country to distraction.
- During the Depression times in America, not the behavior peculiarities determined people’s personality but their gender. Therefore, women were often fired because of prejudices.
Reference
“Alice Kessler-Harris. Providers: Gender Ideology in the 1930s” edited by Kerber L. & De Hart S.