During the presentations of our “OT through the Eras”
projects in class today, I was struck by the vastness of effects World War II
(1940s) had on occupational therapy. While the economic, U.S., and world
effects of the war are well known, I was surprised to learn how the war changed
the occupations of Americans (namely women) and how afterwards, OT was never
the same.
Because men were drafted to fight in World War II, it was up
to the women to maintain the jobs back at home. Think Rosie the Riveter! This
meant that the occupations (meaningful activities of daily life) of these women
went from homemaking, cooking, and child care, to also include factory jobs,
farming, and other previously male-dominated fields.
Furthermore, when the men returned after the war, many of
them required assistance to reintegrate into everyday life state-side.
Occupational therapists were vital in aiding injured veterans (both mentally
and physically) to regain their occupations, begin working again, and adjusting
to the booming American culture.
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