I am still myself: How the Dust Bowl influenced women's clothing in Oklahoma

Abstract

Traditionally, research over the Dust Bowl has focused on the causes of the ecological disaster and migrant workers, leaving women an understudied component of this story. Because clothing reflects our circumstances, ideals, personalities, social status, and economic status, the study of it helps historians to gain a more well-rounded view of women in the Dust Bowl. The application of the 1930s style ideal, the ability to sew, and the wearing of feed sacks shows how the Dust Bowl was affecting them. Through clothing, Oklahoma women defied their circumstances and found that, despite the terrible things happening in the world around them, they were still themselves.