Life — January 31, 1918 — page 11: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

# Analysis of Life Magazine Page 171 **Main Illustration:** A WWI-era scene showing soldiers in military uniforms speaking with a woman at what appears to be a desk or counter. The caption reads: "Corporal: WHAT WILL YOU DO AFTER THE WAR IF YOU CAN'T GET YOUR OLD JOB BACK? Private: MARRY THE GIRL WHO'S HOLDING IT DOWN." **Context:** This satirizes post-war employment anxieties. During WWI, women entered the workforce replacing enlisted men. The joke reflects contemporary concern that returning soldiers would face job competition from women who'd proven capable in traditionally male positions. The "solution" of marriage was a common contemporary presumption that women would leave jobs upon marrying. **Other Content:** The page also includes a poem "A Dug-Out in Winter" by Charlotte Becker about trench conditions, and an article critiquing irresponsible book cover design.