Family and Consumer Sciences Family Changes Family and Consumer Sciences

Family Changes Over the centuries, family life has changed. In the 1800s, many people lived and worked on farms In the 1900s, many of today’s conveniences hadn’t yet been invented, and many daily tasks were time consuming. Today, life is changing faster than ever, and so are families.

Family Changes Some changes are the result of passing years. Some changes are a result of social trends, shifting traditions, and a diverse world.

Roles in the 1950s Men Women

Roles in the 1950s - Men Men were expected to go to school and then find jobs to support their families. They viewed themselves as the “primary breadwinners” and wanted to have their jobs waiting for them when they returned from the war.

Roles in the 1950s - Women Women were encouraged to be “busy housewives”—perfect at everything. Social emphasis on marriage and the home. Many women went to college to find husbands and dropped out when they did.

Roles in 2012 Men Women

Family Changes 1950s 2012 Family was all-important in the grand scheme of traditional women’s gender roles. Fewer than 10% of people thought that unmarried people could be happy. Family was meant to be a source of satisfaction and contentment. Though change is still in the air, there's no doubt that men and women's roles have become less strictly defined. Many families have made the male and female roles more equal when it comes to jobs, housework and childcare.

Family Changes Then Now

Then and Now Then Now