World War II and the British Workforce

Paper Summary:

This paper attempts to determine the most fundamental and long-lasting changes World War II forced on the British workforce. It looks at how the most critical occupational changes resulting from the war go hand in hand with the stimulation of new industries and technologies, the changing social status of women, the new concept of efficiency in production, and the integration of social classes.

Outline:
Introduction
Women
Technology
Working Practices
Social Environment at Work
Arts
Conclusion

From the Paper:

"Apart from the direct military experience, a number of events are said to have influenced the values and attitudes in society. Events such as the intense aerial bombing known as the blitz, the evacuation, and rationing have all contributed to the transformation of British society. People, who would have never socially mixed, came together and talked, and the country was brought together in terms of sharing. Generally, the experience of war hastened the disintegration of boundaries within social classes, and impacted directly on people's behaviour at work. The dramatic increase in the production of goods would have never been achievable without cooperation and complete commitment. "

Sample of Sources Used:

• Grint K. 2005, The Sociology of Work, 3rd edn, Polity Press, Cambridge.
• Marwick A. 1968, Britain in the Century of Total War, The Bodley Head, London.
• Marwick A. 1982, British Society Since 1945, Richard Clay (The Chaucer Press), Bungay, Suffolk.
• UWE, 2006, The Political Economy of Work, Bristol
• WIKIPEDIA, 2006, World War II, Wikipedia, Retrieved December 3, 2006, from: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/World_War_II

More papers on World War II and the British Workforce:

• Essay # 1822 : "British Women in the Workforce in World War II"
• Essay # 61074 : "World War II and Racism"
• Essay # 65881 : "Decline of Manufacturing in the United Kingdom"

APA Citation:

MLA Citation: