- Breadwinner: Men were the primary earners and financial providers for the family. They typically worked full-time jobs while women were expected to stay at home.
- Decision-Maker: Men were considered the head of the household and had the final say in important family matters such as finances, education, and career choices.
- Protector: Men were expected to physically and emotionally protect their family. They were often associated with strength and masculinity.
- Handyman: Men were often responsible for manual labor and household repairs, such as fixing appliances or yard work.
- Father Figure: Men were expected to be the disciplinarians and mentors to their children. They played a primary role in shaping the development and values of their sons.
- Stoic: Men were often expected to maintain a stoic demeanor and express emotions within socially defined limits.
- Social Leadership: Men were frequently leaders in politics, business, and community organizations, and were typically more represented in positions of power and authority.
Traditional roles of women in the 1950s US:
- Homemaker: Women were primarily responsible for maintaining the home and raising children. Housework, cooking, cleaning, and child-rearing were considered women's duties.
- Supportive Spouse: Women were expected to be supportive of their husband's careers, aspirations, and decisions. They were often referred to as "the wife behind the successful man."
- Nurturing Mother: Women were seen as the primary nurturers and caregivers of children. They were expected to provide emotional support and guidance to the family.
- Domestic Skill Set: Women were expected to excel in domestic skills such as cooking, sewing, and home management. These were considered feminine accomplishments and virtues.
- Fashion and Beauty: Women were often expected to put effort into their physical appearance and fashion, as part of their traditional roles as wives and mothers.
- Moral Standards: Women were often held to higher moral and ethical standards compared to men, especially regarding their sexual conduct and behavior.
- Limited Work Opportunities: Many women had limited opportunities for professional careers and were more likely to hold lower-paying jobs or part-time work, if they were employed outside the home.
It's important to note that these roles were based on societal expectations and gender stereotypes of the time, which have evolved and challenged over subsequent decades.