Many people today think that the 1950’s were simply a series of mindless woman, dressed in pearls and heels, waving goodbye to hubby in a sea of endless modern ranch homes. She would cook, clean and wait for hubby with pipe and slippers and children home from school. This was true (minus the mindless bit and possibly the pearls and heels) for some women.
Yet, we must remember that we are only a few years away from the war years. Women were, even more so than during WWI, in the work force that had once only been for men. Many women chose not to leave these jobs, though many felt it was right and their duty not to give these jobs back to the men. Not because they thought they should stay home and have children, but because it was right that the men, who had gone and fought for our freedoms, deserved the chance to return to the work force.
Yet, even as late as the mid 1950’s, there was still debate about the ‘stay at home mother’. This article sort of sheds light on the fact that some middle class women who did not necessarily have to work, might do so for more money or possessions.
I think this article is worth our reading and discussing. I will share it over the next two posts. (Simply click to read full size version)
I know I have shown this film again, but I thought it would be nice to go along with this article.
