Minorities in Post War Canada Women Immigration First

Minorities in Post War Canada Women Immigration First Nations

Traditional Gender Roles • Women stayed in the private sphere - raised children - took care of the house, family, husband - Looked pretty at all times • Men occupied the public sphere - Worked and provided for the family - Made the rules - Decided political stance for the family

The Fashion of Femininity • Women were expected to look perfect at all times - Ex. Pearls and heels while cleaning Women were valued on their appearance - Intelligence was not encouraged Fashions of the day include - Long full skirts, narrow waists, high heels

Harassment of Women • Working women experienced severe levels of sexual harassment - Not a new problem - Mainly valued on appearance - Women’s abilities under- appreciated Because women were valued on appearance, men believed it was ok to sexualize women - Comments on body shape, sex, and how they could be more attractive were commonplace

Consumerism Shapes Expectations of Women • Women were encouraged to beautify themselves and their homes at the same time - New gadgets allowed women to stay clean and pretty while cleaning - Reinforce women’s role to take care of the home

The Problem with No Name • Betty Friedan famously referred to in The Feminine Mystique • malaise, tension, anxiety that results from the gap between the expectations of a fulfilling life and the realities of a stifling existence. - could not understand why they weren't happy as they had everything they were told they wanted

Meet Miltown, The "Happy Pill" • The "happy pill" alternative for harried housewives and stressed-out commuters. • "dehydrated martini" • "Miltown parties" became popular in suburbs • produce a barbiturate-like "buzz" when taken to excess • convulsive seizures of withdrawal and the lethality of overdose.

Women in the Workplace • Portrayed as negligent mothers - Message reinforced in magazines - The cause of delinquent children Traditional male jobs out of reach

1950 s Immigration • Canada had a somewhat restrictive immigration policy - Preferred British and European immigrants as it would be easier to adapt to Canadian lifestyle - Limited immigrants of other origins - No more open door policy - War brides made up a large portion of new Canadians

Displaced Persons • Those who are forced to leave their home country due to war or political reasons - Refugees from the war - Concentration camp survivors Canada accepted 165 000 and settled them across the country - Plan for Syrian refugees

Employment Blockade • Many new Canadians were unable to practice their former trades or professions in Canada - Doctors medical training unrecognized in Canada - Forced to take low paying job - Still a major problem today - Fixing this system could help bring more doctors to Canada

Settlement Patterns after WWII • Immigrants after WWII settled in cities across Canada - Enriched city culture • Older areas of the city were vacated as vets and their families moved to the suburbs - Space available - Differs from WWI when immigrants settled on Western farm lands

1956 Hungarian Revolution • Violent revolution in Hungary made Canada relax entry requirements to allow Hungarians wanting to escape communism in Hungary to immigrate to Canada • More than 37 000 Hungarians came to Canada

Residential Schools 1950 s • The 1950 s were the peak of residential schools due to the baby boom - 76 schools in operation Students faced inhumane conditions - Forced labour - Self hate - Taken from parents - Assimilation policies - Physical, mental, verbal, and sexual abuse - Untrained teachers - Cultural genocide

Off Reserve Education • Federal government funded off reserve education programs in response to demands from Aboriginal parents • By 1960 1000 s of Aboriginal youth were attending provincial schools with certified teachers YET Racism still prevalent Travel long distances to school Needs not being met

Changes to the Indian Act • Women gained the right to vote in band elections • Potlatches and traditional dress were no longer illegal • However The federal government still held the power to - define status and band membership - Control the political and economic lives of Aboriginal people