Final answer:
During the Great Depression, women and minorities experienced heightened vulnerabilities due to systemic discrimination and deep-seated social norms. They faced severe discrimination in the workforce, with African-American unemployment reaching as high as 50%. New Deal programs offered some aid but often fell short of addressing the racial injustices that exacerbated the effects of the Depression on these groups.
Step-by-step explanation:
Vulnerabilities of Women and Minorities During Early Depression Phases
The early phases of the Great Depression unveiled significant vulnerabilities among women and minorities. Women faced systemic barriers in the workforce, often regarded as secondary to men regarding employment opportunities. They were last hired and first fired, particularly hit hard by discrimination and unemployment during the economic downturn. Despite an increasing number of women seeking jobs to support their families, societal norms and employer biases worked against them.
Minorities, particularly African Americans, Asian Americans, and Hispanics, also suffered disproportionately. Racism and segregation laws meant these groups were often restricted to the lowest-paying jobs and were the first to lose their positions. Unemployment rates among African Americans, for instance, reached staggering levels, nearly 50 percent by 1932. The economic hardships of the Dust Bowl further compounded this tragedy, especially for farmers and rural communities.
Efforts like the New Deal provided some relief but often failed to overcome the entrenched social and racial injustices of the time. Minorities, including Native Americans, received mixed support; some benefited from New Deal programs whilst others found themselves at odds with federal initiatives.