Phase 1: Post 5 - America's Assembly Line

How do aspects of race, gender, ability, and other kinds of identities play out in 1960-70s automotive manufacturing? How does it relate to the concept of “Intersectionality?”

Discrimination in the workplace is nothing new to society. With the rise of jobs during the industrial revolution in the early 1900's, there was also a rise in how people were treated in manufacturing facilities. Although African Americans made up the majority of the population in Detroit, they only made up a small fraction of the auto manufacturing workforce. Around this time women also started to join the workforce, however, in many cases job in the manufacturing industry were not advertised for them. Most positions open to women fit into traditionally more feminine roles, such as secretaries.

Popular culture, although not entirely supportive of mass production had an impact on the automotive industry. Black popular culture was widely prevalent in the industry, for instance Martha and the Vandellas and Marvin Gaye were seen pictured with the Mustang, a symbol of rebellion at the time. The intersectionality between the automotive industry and African American pop culture allowed for more representation in the workforce.