Life for women and the family in Nazi Germany

Role of Women in Nazi Society

Ideal of Nazi Womanhood: Nazi ideology promoted the image of women as mothers and housewives. Women were encouraged to stay at home, raise children, and support their husbands.
Marriage and Birth Incentives: In line with the Nazi belief of racial purity and increasing the Aryan race, loans were given to encourage marriage and birth rates. For each child a family had, a quarter of the loan did not have to be paid back.
Motherhood Awards: The Cross of Honour of the German Mother was awarded to women who had numerous children. Bronze was given for four or five children, silver for six or seven, and gold for eight or more. This further emphasised the importance placed on women as mothers.

Impact on Women’s Employment and Education

Employment Restrictions: Women were discouraged from certain professional roles, especially in the fields of law and medicine, and were encouraged to leave their jobs to support the war effort from home.
Reduction of Higher Education: The number of women allowed into higher education was dramatically reduced.

Restrictions on Appearance and Behaviour

Clothing and Appearance: Women were encouraged to adopt a traditional appearance, with minimal makeup and plain, practical clothing. Dyed hair and trousers were discouraged.
Behaviour Regulations: Women were expected to abide by traditional values, refraining from smoking and drinking in public.

Despite these policies, the reality of life during wartime meant that many women had to take on roles outside the home, in industries and in the military service - a requirement that challenged and often contradicted the Nazi ideal of womanhood.

Impact on the Family

Youth Organisations: Children were heavily indoctrinated through Nazi Youth Organisations, which often created tensions within families as children were encouraged to report on their parents.
Euthanasia Program (T4): This program targeted disabled children who were deemed as less valuable to the Aryan race, causing distress and heartache for many families.

The primary aim of family policies was the creation of a stronger, racially pure Aryan race, and every aspect of family life, from marriage to child rearing, was biologically and racially motivated.