Was the 1940 War sexist and only allowed boys to join?

Answer 1

"The 1940 War?" Sexist in that perhaps they recognized that most women are smaller in body frame so they couldn't do as much of the menial labor required.
Example: You and I are serving aboard a man-o war in a combat zone. I am 6' 3" tall and weigh 225 lbs. You and I are the only two working in a small space below the waterline. The ship takes a hit. Our space has a breach in the hull and is filling with water. There is fire and the ladder is somewhat mangled. I've been knocked unconscious. No time to call for help. You must get out of that compartment and secure the watertight hatch to try and prevent further flooding that could quite possibly sink the ship. What's the likelihood that you will not be able to drag my big carcas out of there? So, you will have to leave me to drown? Sexist or realistic approach? My wife and kids thank you for your heroism.
Women were allowed to "join" in 1940, but they served in limited capacity that would allow them to be a great asset not a regretable liability. We all have our strengths and weaknesses. Perhaps we should be realistic and play them to our advantage instead of this social engineering garbage that's going to get me killed.

Answer 2

No it wasn't sexist. Please. Many women served -- WAC's WAF, & WAV's. (Army, AF and Navy) as nurses, correspondents, drivers, etc. They served proudly and with honor - many were killed or pow's. (Check out the movie Paradise Road with Glenn Close).

Knowing your limitations is not a bad thing, it helps the systym run smoother and we could probably stand to have things be that way again. The women who served at home were just as important to the war effort as well -- taking up the slack when the men left and working both in and out of the home. Rosie the Riveter ring a bell?

Women have served in time of war by taking care of the homefront just as they do today.


ps -- it's WWII not the 1940's war.

Answer 3

Women served in the Women's Army Corps (WACs), Navy WAVES. There were nurses, clerks, and pilots, and a few mechanics, I'm sure. They served in the States, Europe, and the Phillipines.
My great aunt was an Army nurse, served in France, was in a hospital in France when it got bombed. There were Army and Navy nurse in the Philipines when it was overrun by the Japanese and over 60 of those nurses were taken POWs and went on the Bataan Death March.
Women also served as test and training pilots in the Army Air Corps. They didn't get to go into combat, but they trained some of the men who did.
Maybe sexist, but that was society then. But they set an example, they got our feet in the door and now 90% of military jobs are open to us, including combat pilots.

Answer 4

I think your question highlights how uneducated our youth is today. The 1940 War? Puh-lease!! Pay attention in school. If you had, you'd realize how different American culture was 67 years ago. Do this....ask any woman over age 80 about why didn't women fight in WWII. They'll probably look at you like you've got two heads. Things were different then.....

But, then again, the sad truth is most schools teach revisionist history now, anyway. :- (

Answer 5

women in the 1940's did go to warefare but only in the soviet side. they had female soviet snipers, aircraft pilots ect. and today they are women who go in combat too today. on eof my officers is a lady she is a 3 star general, major general and she is in the national guards , so she also does mp work and shes like 40 or something. She is also a veteran.

Answer 6

Women could join, but they wouldn't see combat, just like today, and just like it will be in fifty years.