1. Family and Consumer Sciences
Family Changes
Family and Consumer Sciences

2. 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.

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

4. Roles in the 1950s
Men
Women

5. 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.

6. 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.

7. Roles in 2012
Men
Women

8. 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.

9. Family Changes
Then
Now

10. Then and Now
Then
Now