Women became a large part of the reported workforce during WWII, but before that, a majority was already co-supporting their families. Their income was just as important as her husband’s. Most middle to lower class households, which has always been the largest population, had large extended or large families of their own requiring the extra income. Taking in laundry and ironing or watching the neighbor’s children was routine. Each female family member would assist with the chores, moving up through the ranks of duty as they grew older. Most did not know what idle time was. There was always something to do or be taught. Women have been earning a household income for more years then we give them credit. Not many women were allowed to complete their education before the 1940s. Most girls would be taken out of school around the seventh or eighth grade in order to contribute to the family needs. They would be expected to watch the younger siblings, cook or work for other families; possibly cleaning houses or helping care for an elder. Some would be destined for marriage as young as fifteen or sixteen; raising families of their own. Then the men left to war. Women stepped in, with minimal training, and took over the workforce. They repaired cars, pumped gas, worked on construction sites and in airplane factories. Where do you think Rosie the Riveter came from? Working outside the house had become a necessity and women were happy to take over the task. This was a time when they dominated the work environment. Stepping into a white or blue collar position was equally welcomed and handled. Working two jobs, one at the office and the other at home, they managed their schedule with expertise. As the soldiers returned from the war, the jobs were given back to them. Women were slowly weeded out of the workplace, expected to return to their pre-war routines, but most were not willing to do that. There were some positions that remained open to w