During the Second World War, many Australian women joined the workforce, filling essential industry positions left vacant by men who had gone overseas to serve. In doing so, they performed duties that were usually considered part of the male domain, including farming, building and manufacturing. However, when men returned home at the end of the Second World War, women were pushed back into the home.
The 1950s was marked by the image of the idealized suburban housewife, who was expected to find fulfillment solely within the home and family. Legal rights were limited, with many women struggling to secure financial independence. The pay gap was stark, with women’s minimum wage set at 75% of men’s wages.
School education focused on traditional “female” skills in sewing and cooking.
Once married, women were no longer allowed to be employed in education. This was called the 'Marriage Bar'.
