The WPA American Slave Narratives assignment offers a glimpse into the life of African Americans prior to the Civil War era, particularly in the 1930s. The role of men and women during that time was vastly different. Men were typically employed in demanding manual labor jobs such as farming and animal husbandry. Women, on the other hand, were expected to adhere to the societal ideals of "True Womanhood" which emphasized their role as homemakers and caretakers.

During that time, men were the primary breadwinners of the family. They toiled in Caucasian-owned plantations and produced food for a number of animals, while women worked as housemaids and took care of the children, ensuring the home was a comfortable abode for all family members. Young boys were taught the ropes of protecting and providing for the family at a young age. Men were considered the heads of the household and responsible for any issues that the family faced, while the children and wife were expected to respect the patriarch.

Women were not expected to participate in any economic or political activity. They were confined to the domestic sphere, expected to be obedient and submissive to men. Any abuse or mistreatment by their husbands was generally considered the norm. They were not allowed to lead or speak in church, where men were given full authority. Slavery also played a major role, causing women to fear any escape attempts, as it could potentially lead to the family being separated.

Women also had the important task of taking care of the family's overall health. This included nursing any illnesses or injuries incurred by their husbands and children while they worked in the plantations. Women often sacrificed their own clothing to ensure that their family was properly dressed, even if it meant patching up torn clothing with their own clothes. Overall, the assignment provides a poignant picture of the immense struggles and hardships African American women faced during this time period.

The civil war brought about a significant upheaval in the lives of those affected, particularly for women. As men, including brothers, fathers, and husbands, left to fight, and some others were captured, women had to take up roles previously reserved for men. Additionally, some women were exposed to the outside world, leading to a break in the culture.

Sources:

Cole, J.B., & Guy-Sheftall, B. (2009). Gender Talk: The Struggle for Women's Equality in African American Communities. One World.

Harrold, S. (2010). Border War: Fighting Over Slavery Before the Civil War. Univ of North Carolina Press.

Deng, C.-R. (2011). Resisting Sympathy, Reclaiming Authority: The Politics of Representation in Harriet Jacobs's Incidents in the Life of a Slave Girl. Tamkang Review, 41(2), 115+. https://link.gale.com/apps/doc/A267133515/LitRC?u=mill30389&sid=LitRC&xid=a6faee6e