Episode 6:  As the war progressed, manpower shortages forced Americans to reexamine the role of women in the workplace. But even as increased demand for workers created new opportunities women, in both the civilian job market and the military, many viewed such changes as an affront to the American way of life.

 

Dr. Heather Stur of the Dale Center joins host, Bill Ellison, for a discussion of the new opportunities for women that arose during the war, the challenges they faced, and their impact on traditional gender roles in America.

 

To Dr. Stur's insights, we will add the stories of several women whose lives were forever changed by their service to the nation including: Mary Allen of Leland, MS, Mona Astin of  Blevins, AR, Ruth Colter of Natchez, Edith Reece of Woodville, Irene Smith of Gulfport, Esther Stanton of Sullivan, IN, and Bonnie Stedman of McComb, MS.

 

Special thanks to the Mississippi Humanities Council for their unwavering support of the Center for Oral History & Cultural Heritage through the years. The Humanities are for Everyone!

 

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