Texes Social Studies Content Practice Exam

In the United States, women achieved notable cultural liberation in the immediate aftermath of World War I; however, this movement stalled in the 1930s because...

1. Many states prohibited women from working so as to encourage employment of men during the Great Depression

2. Educational opportunities declined in the 1920s; meaning women were forced out of higher education facilities

3. The outbreak of the Second World War encouraged the suppression of progressive movements and a resurgence of reactionary politics

4. The generation who grew up during World War One feared any disruption of the established social order and so held women back

The correct answer is: Many states prohibited women from working so as to encourage employment of men during the Great Depression

The immediate post-World War I era saw women stepping into new roles as they gained societal recognition and an increased sense of independence. However, during the 1930s, the Great Depression led to significant economic turmoil, resulting in many states implementing regulations aimed at prioritizing jobs for men, who were seen as the primary wage earners. This widespread belief contributed to the prohibition of women from working in various industries and occupations, as policy-makers and society at large sought to restore a conventional gender dynamic that had been altered during the war. This shift back to traditional gender roles was driven by the desperation of the economic climate, as unemployment rates soared. As a result, many women were forced to leave the workforce or limit their contributions to the family unit, significantly stalling the momentum gained for women's cultural liberation. This context reflects how economic concerns can influence social policies, directly impacting women's rights and opportunities during that period. The other choices, while they may contain elements related to women's experiences in that era, do not accurately capture the broader social and economic shifts that defined the 1930s.