For Centuries, German Women’s role in society could have been described by “the three K’s”: Kinder (children), Kirche (church), and Kuche (kitchen). Throughout the the twentieth century, women began to be victorious in their battles for equal rights. In 1919 they received the right to vote. Changes were also brought on by World War II. During the war, women took on positions generally held by men. After the war, the Trummerfrauen (women of rubble) tended to the wounded, buried dead soldiers, salvaged belongings, and began the exhausting task of rebuilding their country which was left in ruins by the war.
Men for the first part of the century played the role that they always do, which is to provide for, and protect their family. They protected them by fighting to protect their country in World War II (which later proved to be slightly controversial). But none the less, they did what they were taught was necessary.
In west Germany, the basic law of 1949 stated that men and women were equal, but it was not until 1957 that the amendment was made to the civil code to make this statement true. Even in the 50’s women could still be dismissed from the military when they were married. But with the shortage of young men, marriages were not common during this time. Western Germany relied on migrants or immigrants to fulfill its economy’s labor requirements. Women withdrew from employment outside of the home and tended to their families.
In the east, women still remained in the workforce. The government pushed for womens participation in the workforce and gave educational and vocational opportunities to them.
Jone, Johnson Lewis. "Germany-Status of Women." About.com History of Women. Federal Research division of the Library of Congress, August 1995. Web. 2 Nov 2011. <http://womenshistory.about.com/library/ency/blwh_germany_women.htm>.
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