‘ The notion that the Second World War must have had a profound and lasting effect on the lives of the British Women has continued to shape interpretative attitudes of the conflict.’ It has been noted by some historians that the war reinforced traditional values in women, on the other hand it is argued that such an experience must have altered the lives of the women on the home front considerably. In order to investigate the extent to which the conflict affected the status of women, it is necessary to investigate changes in the following factors: the women’s role as a housewife, paid employment, sex segregation, consciousness, birth rates and government policy towards women.

Arthur Marwick has conducted much research in to the impact of the second world war and the status of women, and he reports that the war ‘led to a new social and economic freedom for them, as well as a marked consciousness.’ Much of his research is centred on the impact of the war for women who were in employment. Moreover he considers that there was a definite change in attitude exhibited by those housewives who were left at home doing traditional tasks. â€

Some historians claim that the conflict ‘ submerged class divisions in a growing sense of national unity.’ Conscription was an issue which allowed class ideology to shape views on public issues. Many supporters of mandatory labour for women, suggested that it would allow class divisions to be submerged, and that that work of the home front would be deliberately spread amongst women from all ranks. Some considered that it would force ‘ idle rich girls to work.’ However evidence does in fact suggest, not surprisingly, that the main concern of the women from the middle classes was that of their own comfort, and not about helping provide for the war effort.

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