Working-Class Women in the Great Depression

Working-Class Women in the Great Depression (A Comparison of the “Tin Flute” by Gabrielle Roy and “Breadwinning daughters” by Katrina Srigley on the experiences of Working-Class Women in the Great Depression in Canada) Name: Course title: Instructor: Institution: Date Due: (A Comparison of the “Tin Flute” by Gabrielle Roy and “Breadwinning daughters” by Katrina Srigley on the experiences of Working-Class Women in the Great Depression in Canada) Introduction The great depression during the 1930s in Canada was a time when economic conditions were the worst state. During this time, employment opportunities were scarce and the wages were lowly paid. A study conducted by Association catholique de la jeunesse canadienne in 1933 established that the unemployment rate was at 30% and for women, the percentage was even higher. All sectors in the economy were strongly affected (Ascah, 1999). The origin of the great was in USA and spread to other countries around the world. In the year 1929, its effects started to be felt in Canada. In the year 1929 to 1939, the economy in Canada declined greatly; the situation became more serious in 1933. The depression reached its climax in 1939 when it finally bowed down. Women were provided with 35% of the job opportunities in the urban centres. Some of the sectors which women could be employed included clothing and food industry, a few vacancies for women were allocated at heavy firms, railway stations or construction sites. Some worked at the household, restaurants or businesses entities. Those who were educated held jobs such as teaching and clerical. Most of the women who were employed were those who were unmarried, once married, such women were expected to resign or rather abandon their job (Ascah, 1999). In order to counter with the lack of jobs and economic depression at the time, many women designed different ways to cope with the situation. These women had to be both creative and flexible with regard to th...