How World War I shaped labor force participation for women

New research finds that more women entering clerical work during World War I changed gender norms for years to come.
Labor shortages during World War I created job opportunities in the federal government for women, especially in clerical work. Above, soldiers at the Battle of Verdun in France in 1916.
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Female fire crew in Colorado clears a path for women in wildland firefighting

Jun 26, 2024
The vast majority of Forest Service firefighters are men. A crew of women who are comfortable roughing it aim to change the equation.
The crew hikes to their job site on a trail they cut themselves during the early days of the project.
Caroline Llanes/Aspen Public Radio

A greater percentage of women are working than ever before

May 15, 2024
What's behind the surge in women workers? And will the numbers keep climbing?
Some factors that have increased women's labor participation: a tight labor market, higher wages and more jobs with flexible work-from-home options.
SDI Productions/Getty Images

How the typewriter propelled women into the office

Nov 24, 2021
Typewriters were "crucial" to the rise of women's workforce participation in the 20th century, says economic historian Elyce Rotella.
Typewriters were "crucial" to the rise of women's workforce participation in the 20th century, says economic historian Elyce Rotella.
Keystone/Getty Images

Can well-off young women save China's economic recovery?

Sep 13, 2021
Women drive the bulk of household purchasing decisions in China. What do they want to spend their money on?
Finance major Zhou Hui, 19, spends up to $700 a month on clothing and eating out, which the COVID-19 pandemic didn't change.
Charles Zhang/Marketplace

Afghan women stand to lose 20 years of gains as Taliban seize control

Aug 17, 2021
The last time the fundamentalists were in power, they banned education for girls and women.
A social worker address Afghan women gathered at a hall in Kabul on Aug. 2, 2021.
SAJJAD HUSSAIN/AFP via Getty Images

How the pandemic affected one paramedic's career

Jul 19, 2021
With the pandemic forcing school and daycare closures around the country, children are spending more time at home — and women are bearing the brunt of that.
Women’s labor force participation fell to 56.2% in June, the lowest levels since 1988, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Hagen Hopkins/Getty Images

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You wouldn't recognize Disney without the work of these women

Oct 23, 2019
A new book details the rise and fall of female animators and storytellers in the early days of Walt Disney Studios.
Portrait of Retta Scott working on Bambi
Ben Worcester

Younger workers more likely to talk pay with colleagues

Jul 4, 2019
Greater transparency around salaries could help close racial and gender pay gaps but can be tricky to navigate.
A group of business people having a meeting in an office
Grady Reese/Getty Images

The campaign finance of women's suffrage

Jun 4, 2019
Behind the political struggle was a well-financed lobbying operation.
3rd May 1913:  Grand Marshal Inez Milholland Boissevain (1886 - 1916) leads a parade of 30,000 representives of the various Women's Suffrage associations through New York City.
Paul Thompson/Topical Press Agency/Getty Images