ajcjobs > BlogBreak > Archives > 2008 > October > 29
Wednesday, October 29, 2008
How far have women in the workplace come since 1943?
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
We are in the midst of a historical presidential election, one that featured Hillary Clinton putting up a tough fight for the Democratic presidential nomination, and one that could make Sarah Palin the first female vice-president in U.S. history.
So women have come a long way. But how far has the “fairer sex” come since 1943? Transportation Magazine published this incredulous Guide to Hiring Women 65 years ago. It is indeed true, according to Snopes. What were some of the more interesting recommendations on dealing with women in the workplace back then?
“Husky girls tend to be more even-tempered and efficient than their underweight sisters.”
“Retain a physician to give each woman you hire a special physical examination - one covering female conditions.”
“Women make excellent workers when they have their jobs cut out for them but they lack initiative in finding work themselves.”
“Give every girl an adequate number of rest periods during the day. A girl has more confidence and consequently is more efficient if she can keep her hair tidied, apply fresh lipstick and wash her hands several times a day.”
Do you think there are any elements of truth in this hiring guide that still apply in today’s world? Has conditions for women on the job improved since 1943, or does today’s woman just face a different kind of discrimination in the modern workplace?
