Makeup, Motherhood, and Manufacturing: Good Women in British World War II Propaganda Pubblico

Abstract

The Second World War required the complete mobilization of British society. To convince the public to act in ways that best helped the war effort, the British government turned to propaganda. This thesis specifically analyzes propaganda aimed at women on the British home front, with a focus on housewives. It uses a wide range of propaganda posters, pamphlets, and films, government surveys and publications, personal diaries, and parliamentary transcripts to demonstrate how the British government used propaganda to feminize women’s contribution to the war effort. Through emphasizing the importance of action in traditionally feminine spheres and glamorizing traditionally masculine responsibilities, propaganda ensured that gender roles were never completely overhauled during the war, but rather that a continued emphasis on femininity served to maintain traditional gender frameworks despite women moving into new roles throughout the war.

Table of Contents

Introduction ………………………………………………………………………..………… 1

Historiography ……………………………………………………………………….....…… 4

Chapter One: Feeding the Family ……………………………………………..….…….. 8

Chapter Two: Housekeeping …………………………………………………………….. 25

Chapter Three: Motherhood and Caregiving ………………………………………… 38

Chapter Four: Industry, Armed Services, and Civil Defense ……………………… 49

British Propaganda in Comparison to Other Countries ………………………...…. 64

Conclusion …………………………………………………………………………….....…. 70

About this Honors Thesis

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School	Emory College
Department	History
Degree	B.A.
Submission	Honors Thesis
Language	English
Research Field	History, European
Parola chiave	World War II Women Propaganda
Committee Chair / Thesis Advisor	Allitt, Patrick, Emory University
Committee Members	Clarke, Robyn, Emory University Payne, Matthew, Emory University

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