The Shift of Roles
by Jianqing Zheng


after the pictures by Margaret Bourke-White

When World War II dragged men to the battlefields, women became welders, crane operators, oilers, grinders, coil tapers, foundry helpers, and shippers, doing whatever they could and earning same wages as men. When the War ended, they changed into wives, sisters, mothers, and homebodies. Their roles shifted without notice from their men.

It’s a boy!
the husband utters in joy
outside the labor room






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