Rosie the Riveter make way for ROSIE THE REALTOR!  Women moved into the real estate business, in a big way, between the 1930s and the 1950s.  Actually, they literally took over residential real estate during this period. Rosie the Riveter

They used the post-war housing boom to carve out their not-so-little niche.  Unlike many other types of businesses, women's roots are deeply embedded in the history of real estate.

 

Rosie the Riveter gave up her job when the war ended; not so for Rosie the Realtor.

In an interesting article about the Rosies,  Jeffrey Hornstein notes that unlike other occupations that shifted from men to women (for example, secretaries) real estate was not "feminized" by this shift.

These clever real estate women used a strategy based on a woman's natural role as homemaker.  Who can possibly know a home better!  And it worked!

How ironic that women used "domesticity," (that which kept them back in other businesses) to flourish in real estate! 

 

I've never thought about women Realtors from this perspective.  Interesting, isn't it? 

The article* goes into greater historical detail.  "Rosie" is also a chapter in a book** by the same author.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

* "Rosie the realtor and the re-gendering of real estate brokerage," 1930-1960 Jeffrey M. Hornstein. Enteprise & Society. Oxford:Jun 2002. Vol. 3, Iss. 2, p.318-351.  Retrieved 6/16/08 from realtor.org. (Proquest article).

 ** Jeffrey M. Hornstein. A Nation of Realtors®: A Cultural History of the Twentieth-Century American Middle Class. Durham, N.C.: Duke University Press, 2005.

Rosie the Riveter: Image courtesy of US National Archives.
Produced by Westinghouse for the War Production.
Created by J. Howard Miller.
Modifications © Jone Lewis 2001

 

6 Comments on Rosie the Realtor ...

JUN
16
2008
121,522 Points

Great points Marie, it always amazes me how many women we have in Real Estate and the percentages in leadership roles is not as well reflected.

All the best!
7:06pm • #1
2 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor

I know Kevin.  I've noticed too.  Didn't want to get into it with this blog.  Seems to me that the broker's job is more in line with the traditional male role within business ... has less to do with being a homemaker :)  I want to read this author's book though ... sounds very interesting and possibly covers the topic of women as brokers.  Thanks for insightful comment.
7:34pm • #2
JUN
19
2008
647,636 Points 63 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog Called Shot Master

This is a great blog because it is so true.  I never really thought of it this way before. 
9:07pm • #3
2 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor

Kevin has a good point, doesn't he?
9:25pm • #4
JUN
26
2008
158,936 Points Outside Blog

LOVE Rosie the Riveter Marie - I recall about 6 years ago she made the news when the original sold for in the millions somewhere!
9:08pm • #5
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Deborah ... she is so much a part of our cultural heritage ....
9:18pm • #6


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Marie Meyer, Orange County New York Realtor®

Central Valley, NY

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Keller Williams Realty

Address: 229 Route 32, Central Valley, NY, 10917

Office Phone: (845) 928-8000

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