Slacks and Calluses is a captivating book written from the perspectives of two high school teachers, Constance Bowman and Clara Marie Allen. Their stories recount their lives working at a bomber factory in the summer of 1943. The book follows the two women as their lifestyle changes from wearing shoes and dresses to wearing pants and calluses. Women had to accept difficult working conditions, learn trades and learn how to operate huge machines. Women soon realized that this would bring about many changes in the social aspect of their lives, many of which changed the way women were viewed in the country. Patriotism and the possibility of expanding their opportunities is what pushed women to take on these circumstances. It would forever change workplace beliefs and opinions about women. In 1943, most women worked as teachers, nurses, or did some sort of domestic work. Their opportunities were nowhere near as vast as those of men. This caused women to feel excluded or unequal. Women fought for more equal opportunities as well as equal treatment. This, coupled with their sense of patriotism, led them to work in these factories. They wanted to be seen as equal counterparts and have the same opportunities as men during this time. Women didn't have as many opportunities, so they jumped at the chance to expand them when the idea of ​​working in factories came to them. This also adds to their sense of patriotism, strengthening their determination to work. Women knew that men were fighting for their freedom, which would give them a chance to contribute to the cause and help with war production. This has challenged opinions about the workplace as well as beliefs about women's place in the workplace. Many men...... middle of paper ......ns. This seems to be the case if they were afraid to describe them too harshly, lest they be looked down upon or prove that the men were right by saying they were out of place. Perhaps we will never truly know how harsh these conditions were. In conclusion, Slacks and Calluses is an excellent book that should be read by every generation. Slacks and Calluses depicts life lessons that all ages can integrate into their own understanding and gain knowledge about an important period in our history. The social life of women was forever transformed in a positive way. This would never have been possible if the country hadn't been excited about the idea in the first place. As a result, women gained more equal rights, opportunities and jobs, which helped women immensely. Patriotism played a huge role in this situation and the opportunities and new jobs that came with it..