Marc Sobel sent in this IBM memo from 1951 that announces a “temporary modification” of corporate policy to allow married women to work at the company:
This is the type of thing that often turns out to be a hoax so I spent some time searching, but I can’t find any evidence that it isn’t authentic.
Also see: reasons not to hire women and if you don’t fire women, men have to be bums.
Comments 20
Deaf Indian Muslim Anarchist — June 23, 2010
why, IBM, thank you for being soooo considerate of married women's right to being employed. *rolls eyes*
R — June 23, 2010
I'm surprised this policy was actually written. I work for a large midwestern-based company, and women were "unofficially" required to wear skirts until the 1980s. Many of the older men who are now retiring will recount tales of having to fire women because their "progressive values" (ie, wearing pants or, gasp, being unmarried with children) did not fit in the company culture.
marc sobel — June 23, 2010
The historical context was, as I am sure you know, after WWII the emphasis was on firing the women who had taken "men's jobs" to help out the war effort. I read a history book that said that it was because all of the leadership, including Truman had remembered the massive social problem caused by returning veterans who couldn't find work after WWI. (Bonus March etc.) It was not done through any legislation but by informal agreements with industry. I don't know the mechanics but if it has not been researched and written about it would be a real page turner.
In IBM, apparently, the policy was, if a female employee married, she had to resign. I believe the memo was dated 1951 and said it was announcing a temporary suspension of the policy.
Reminds me of a plot line in Mad Men.
sarah — June 23, 2010
My grandmother hid her engagement because she knew she would be let go if they found out. And she was a teacher. I think it was a more commonplace policy in the 40s and 50s.
Anonymous — June 24, 2010
When I was in school in Tulsa (the 40s and 50s)women who were in a family way were not allowed to teach.
Butter — June 25, 2010
IBM did plenty of horrible things. I strongly recommend everyone read "IBM and the Holocaust".
patman — June 29, 2010
Variable pitch fonts in 1951? I doubt it...
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