Year 9 - History
The changing role of women in post-war Britain
Post-war Britain: for whom did the United Kingdom become a 'New Jerusalem'?
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This pupil-friendly study guide includes a unit summary, clear notes, common mistakes, and quick questions with answers.
Unit Summary
In this unit, pupils learn about the significant changes that took place in post-war Britain: the establishment of the NHS and the welfare state, the growth of social democracy, the changing role of women and the experience of racism in Britain.
Lesson Summary
You will learn to recall that many women remained in the workforce after WW2, and that women would campaign for equal pay and treatment.
Key Notes
- During WW2, many women entered the workforce or were conscripted into military support services.
- In the late 1940s, labour shortages meant women were encouraged to re-enter the labour market.
- Women were seen as secondary workers and were paid less than men.
- Women campaigned for equal pay throughout the 1950s and 1960s, with teachers granted equal pay in 1955.
- Many married women undertook paid work in the 1960s but still faced significant discrimination.
Vocabulary To Learn
- conscript: to call someone up for compulsory military service
- labour shortage: when there are not enough workers to meet demand
Common Mistakes To Avoid
- Students might not realise that women as well as men were conscripted during WW2.
3 Quick Questions (With Answers)
1. Summarise this historical learning in two key ideas.
During WW2, many women entered the workforce or were conscripted into military support services. In the late 1940s, labour shortages meant women were encouraged to re-enter the labour market.
2. Define this history term and explain why it matters in this topic. 'conscript'
to call someone up for compulsory military service.
3. Correct this common history misconception using evidence language.
Mistake: Students might not realise that women as well as men were conscripted during WW2. Correction: In 1940, single women aged 20-30, and widowed women without children, were conscripted into war work.
More Lessons In This Unit
Browse all guides in the Year 9 History guide library.