Ep 18. The Career Girl

In The Waltons season 5 episode 18, titled "The Career Girl," the show explores the challenges of being a woman in the workforce in the early 1940s. The episode centers around Erin Walton, the second oldest daughter of the Walton family, who has just graduated high school and is eager to pursue a career in journalism.

Erin's enthusiasm for her newfound ambition is met with mixed reactions from her family, as they struggle to come to terms with the idea of a woman working outside the home. Her father, John Walton, is particularly resistant, fearing that Erin's dreams will take her away from the family and their rural way of life. However, Erin's mother, Olivia, is more supportive, recognizing the value of education and opportunity for her daughter.

As Erin begins to explore her options, she quickly realizes the obstacles she will face as a young woman in a male-dominated field. She is met with skepticism and condescension from her male peers and superiors, who dismiss her potential as a writer because of her gender. Despite these setbacks, Erin remains determined to prove herself and pursues an internship opportunity at a local newspaper.

Through Erin's experiences, the episode highlights the societal barriers and gender discrimination that women faced during this time period. It also addresses the tension between traditional gender roles and the changing social norms of the era. The Walton family's reactions to Erin's aspirations reflect a larger cultural shift as women sought to challenge traditional gender roles and expand their opportunities beyond the domestic sphere.

The episode also touches on themes of family, responsibility, and sacrifice. Erin's pursuit of her career dream brings up conflicts within the family, as they grapple with the idea of her leaving home and potentially sacrificing her personal life for her professional aspirations. Erin is torn between her desire for independence and her love for her family, ultimately learning that pursuing her dreams does not mean abandoning her roots.

Overall, "The Career Girl" is a poignant depiction of the challenges and opportunities that women faced during the early 1940s. Through Erin's journey, the episode explores the tension between tradition and progress, and the complex relationship between family and personal ambition.