What made single parent families work during both world wars?

In Canada Australia New Zealand and other commonwealth nations -- the men left from 1914 - 18 and again in 1939 to 45





Birth rates fell significantly --almost all males between the ages of 18 and 40 were gone





Women raised the families built the bombs took over the hospitals the local schools organized the society and clothed and fed their men over seas





During 2 wars -- of 4 and 6 years --- the single parent family was the rule and not the exception -- and they managed not only to raise jr but to educate him and feed and cloth millions of soldiers including keeping the soldiers in weapons munitions and bombs while running the nation at the same time





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So what is the difference between this reality then as opposed to now ?What made single parent families work during both world wars?
People weren't as selfish back then. Or as lazy.What made single parent families work during both world wars?
They were married to their husbands