Sexist Ads in WW2 – 1940s Women

Sexist ads in WW2

In stark contrast to the positive empowerment images of women in the 1940s, there were many sexist ads in WW2.
Government warnings to service men to ‘keep mum’ and ‘chaste’ depicted women in time honored fashion; the female stereotype, addled of the mind, untrustworthy and ridden with venereal diseases.

During World War Two, women were actively recruited to do their part in the forces just as they had done in the last war. Subsequently there were thousands of inspiring positive images of women seen the world over.v

But still the old patriarchal world dished out conflicting portrayals of WW2 women, which defy imagination today.

While this is remembered and celebrated as a step forward in recognition of equal status, there were many unfortunate misogynous exceptions like the proliferation of pulp style art in advertising, warning that ‘careless talk costs lives‘ or ‘loose lips sink ships’ which though not always, invariably depicted ‘women’ as the main culprit.

Of even more questionable taste were the proliferation of anti STD posters and adverts which inferred that women were the main carriers of sexually transmitted diseases. Here are a few to remind you of what it was like to live in the patriarchal world of the 1940s.

Now that your blood is raised, check out and download our 1940s WW2 Women Packs to learn what women really did during World War Two.