How the Women's Movement has Improved The status of women in the United States has significantly improved since World War II. Congress has passed many acts to improve the lives of women allowing them to reach equality. The abilities of women began to manifest themselves during and after the Second World War. “Their abilities included working hard and learning fast on the job while maintained their essentials of home life.” (Van Horn 141) The attitudes of many women and the attitudes towards women during the 1940's changed dramatically. Women were no longer considered just housewives but part of the work force.