Calling all 50's housewives!

[64tonya]

Hey gals,

I recently made a vintage friend (yay!) and she confided that she really dreams of being a 50's housewife. The whole shebang, stay home, cook dinner, wear stilettos and evening gown while making him dinner (ok she didn't go that much into detail but you get the gist).

Hmmm, I was just wondering if the look goes with the values of the era for any of you ladies?

 

[KittyT]

There's a whole thread on housewives already - http://www.thefedoralounge.com/showthread.php?t=28952

 

[MissHannah]

For me, the answer is no in pretty much every respect!
I'm a feminist through and through (although I'll admit to liking having a door held open for me!). I love the fifties for purely visual and pop-cultural reasons and I try never to forget that the values of that era included McCarthy-ism, racial segregation and less pay for women, amongst other things!

 

[MissMissy]

The fifties are my favorite era and I'm a "classic" housewife. Wouldn't dream of having it any other way. I have three children and we homeschool. I cook, I clean, I garden, I sew, and I even enter baking contests! Last year I won a trip to San Fransisco with my husband to compete as a finalist (didn't win the $10,000 though )I don't however wear stilettos in the house, or out of the house for that matter because I seriously can't walk in the things! lol

 

[Darhling]

hmm, I agree with Miss Hannah here - I don't want everything from the fifties, but I'll admit that I have no problem with being a 50'ies housewife in a lot of respects: I love to cook, bake, sew, host parties, make sure the home is neat and tidy (a lot of men don't see the dust bunnies) and I have no problem wearing high heels while I do all of it. But I wouldn't want a man that expects me to do all this just for him, he should of course help with the household on equal terms. As far as being a stay at home wife - I don't know, I have worked all my adult life and supported myself .. besides he should have a pretty big salary to fund my love for shoes

 

[sixsexsix]

Couldn't agree more.:eusa_clap

For me, the answer is no in pretty much every respect!
I'm a feminist through and through (although I'll admit to liking having a door held open for me!). I love the fifties for purely visual and pop-cultural reasons and I try never to forget that the values of that era included McCarthy-ism, racial segregation and less pay for women, amongst other things!

 

[Joie DeVive]

Welcome 64tonya!

I think my answer to your query would have to depend on what is meant by your question. There were indeed a lot of social inequities and other problems with some of the eras we admire. I don't support those, however, I am a housewife and I do enjoy the role wholly.

I think to poo-poo homemaking is in effect limiting the choices of women. And that, in my humble opinion, is the farthest thing from the intention of feminism. Feminism is about having choices. And if my choice is to work in my home, and remodel it, and raise children, then it is my choice and no less valid than any other.

I would say I am a mix of modernity and the classic housewife. I do not actually dust in stilettos (the hardwood floors, not to mention my feet, would never forgive me), nor do I scrub the john in a dress. For tough work, I wear the dreaded uniform of sweats, jeans, and Ts. I reserve dresses and skirts more for weekend wear when I am out and about. So, I don't exactly line up as Donna Reed.
On the other hand, I am a somewhat old-fashioned sort of gal, personality wise. I would say that I do reflect the eras of my mother and grandmothers fairly readily. I am interested in many Golden Era pursuits from sewing to canning, and I am as thrifty as they come these days.

If I were to be so bold as to speak for our ladies, I think I would say you would find a mixed bag. You have everything from the girls who only admire the clothing and such, to those who live the whole lifestyle for the most part, and everything in between. To each their own I say!

But do take a peek at the thread KittyT posted, I think that will offer you much more information on the topic. Besides, in relatively short order, there is a good chance this thread will be incorporated into it.

Cordially,

Joie

 

[Real Swell Gal]

The fifties are my favorite era and I'm a "classic" housewife. Wouldn't dream of having it any other way. I have three children and we homeschool. I cook, I clean, I garden, I sew, and I even enter baking contests! Last year I won a trip to San Fransisco with my husband to compete as a finalist (didn't win the $10,000 though )I don't however wear stilettos in the house, or out of the house for that matter because I seriously can't walk in the things! lol

But the difference is you have that choice.
Our mothers and grandmothers didn't.
Not one person here would ever dream of treating a child or woman the way people treated my mother, her mother and my aunts after my grandmother divorced my grandfather in the early 50's.
I'm greatful I had the chance to be a stay at home mom for seven years but I'm even more greatful that it was my decision.

 

[Naama]

For me, the answer is no in pretty much every respect!
I'm a feminist through and through (although I'll admit to liking having a door held open for me!

Oh, I see no problem with being a feminist and liking to have doors held open I mean, we deserve to be treated well, don't we?



Naama

 

[64tonya]

Oops

Thanks Kitty, as you can see I'm new in town...Sorry for the repeat topic