Unemployment also Hits Women: The New and The Old Woman on the Dark Side of the Golden Twenties in Germany

Abstract

Three passages from contemporary discussions can throw light on our theme:¹

Through so-called rationalisation, more women are working; in very many cases today, the unskilled woman worker is taking over the job of a skilled male worker; men – fathers of families – are being sacked and very young girls are being engaged in their place: these are things that every worker sees nowadays, and which bring suffering to thousands. Quite understandably, the feeling against this low woman competitor is more bitter than ever these days…

The woman of the family struck by unemployment must confront an enormous task which is growing, and has a significance not yet recognised everywhere: she must, with all of her womanly and motherly strength, uphold the self-respect of the man, and maintain the respect of the children for him. Her understanding for his undeserved helplessness in the face of the family’s poverty and want, is the prerequisite for family unity and a fruitful family life. The woman must use all her ingenuity to help him keep occupied, giving him the feeling that he is making good use of his time, and that this work is of value to the family.

I am most grateful to Jan Lambertz for translating this article into English. K.H.