Attacking the Washington "Femmocracy ": Antifeminism in the Cold War Campaign against "Communists in Government."

Anti-communist movements; Anti-feminism; Feminists; Social movements; Welfare economics; Cold War, 1945-1991

This article describes the ways that cold war anti-communism in the U.S. collaborated with anti-feminism to target women or feminists who entered the government workforce in increasing numbers during the New Deal and World War II eras. Several factors contributing to the Great Inquisition include nativism, religious fundamentalism and hatred of the welfare state and the United Nations. More women held important government positions during the period from the 1930s into the 1950s than is commonly assumed, and a striking number of them were accused of Communist sympathies. Historians have noted McCarthyism's impact on women in labor unions, voluntary associations, and artistic circles, but women in government have received less attention.