German Women

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The Role of German Women
The Role of German Women Women roles in the German society have changed significantly over the years. Historically, Gender roles in Germany were similar to that of the United States in which women were perceived as caregivers whereas the men acted as providers. In the traditional German society, women’s role was captured by the three ‘K’ words kuche (kitchen), Kirche (church), and kinder (children). Some analysts have also considered a fourth K kleider (clothes). Therefore, a typical German woman was expected to be involved primarily in clothes and fashion, cooking and serving food, engaging in religious activities, and bearing and nurturing children. Just like in other countries, such as the United States …show more content…

This description remained for an extended time. However, the German society exhibited various efforts aimed at changing women role in society. For example, before 1919, women were not allowed to vote. German women’s voting right was an indication of the desire by the German society to pursue the path of equal treatment regardless of gender. However, during the Nazi period, the traditional roles of women were reiterated. Under the leadership of Adolf Hitler, the Nazi regime believed that women should stick to their traditional role in the society (London Jewish Cultural Centre 1). Women were expected to remain at home to take good care of their children whereas their husbands …show more content…

During the war, women were compelled to assume some responsibilities that had been preserved for men (Cook 227). In addition, following the end of the war, women played an integral role in the reconstruction of the country. The Third Reich increased the number of roles assigned to women during the war, including combat. The events of the Second World War may have prompted increased efforts toward equal rights. In 1949, West Germany enforced the Basic Law that stated that women and men were equal. However, the civil code was not amended to reflect this declaration until 1957. The male breadwinner model of employment remained in force for a while after Second World

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