Working Women In The 1950s

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During WWII, women took over the work force, and had such inspirations as Rosie the Riveter. This created a generation of women who wanted more out of life than birthing children, and keeping a nice home for their husband. The end of the war, however, brought with it a decrease of working women. In the 1950’s the rate of working women had slightly rebounded to 29% following the post-war decrease in 1945. These women were well rounded, working outside the home, and still having dinner on the table by 5PM. Thinking of media today that is aimed at men, we often see women being over sexualized. There are women in bikinis dancing around men drinking beer in order to get you to buy Budweiser, and women in skin tight outfits driving cars so you will …show more content…

As gender roles were enhanced, the nuclear family was birthed. This ideal family, mainly portrayed in popular culture, had a working father, homemaking mother, and children. Television shows depicting this type of household, Leave it to Beaver, and I Love Lucy, were not representative of the reality of America. Not all of Americans were white, and not all women were happy living as housewives (Boyer 101). Although most did not fit the mold of the nuclear family, it was something to strive for, and many ads were aimed at this “perfect family”. An ad for Munsingwear Look-Alike Pajamas (54) paints a picture of a happy family on Christmas morning. They’re enjoying their new toys, and the mother/daughter duo are “beautifully matched”, while the father/son are “handsomely teamed”. It gives the impression that your family could be this joyous and relaxed if only you had these beautiful, and handsome pajama sets. Another ad shows a nuclear family (34) promoting the sale of war bonds, “You help give your family a better world when you buy U.S. Savings Bonds.” This ad works at the insecurities of Americans at the time of the Red

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