The following is from an actual 1950's high school Home Economics text. The capitalized masculine pronouns were done by me for emphasis. And, seeing this made me so mad, I also had to add my little comments.
HOW TO BE A GOOD WIFE
HAVE DINNER READY: Plan ahead, even the night before, to have a delicious mean--on time. This is a way to let him know that you have been thinking about him and are concerned with HIS needs. Most men are hungry when they come home, and having a good meal ready is part of the warm welcome that is needed. (What about the woman's needs? Does she not count?)
PREPARE YOURSELF: Take fifteen minutes to rest so that you will be refreshed when HE arrives. HE has been with a lot of work-weary people. Be a little gay and a little more interesting. HIS boring day may need a lift. Greet him with a smile. (What about the woman's day? Surely it couldn't have been so exciting back in those days. Maybe the woman needs a lift).
CLEAR AWAY THE CLUTTER; Make one last trip through the main part of the house just before your husband arrives, gathering up children's books and toys, papers, etc. Then run a dust cloth over the tables. Your husband will feel HE has reached a haven of rest and order, and it will give you a lift, too. (What a load of crap.)
PREPARE THE CHILDREN: If they are small, wash their hands and faces and comb their hair. They are HIS little treasures and he would like to see them playing the part. (Treasures? What, are they nothing but objects that must be perfect?)
MINIMIZE ALL NOISE: At the time of his arrival, eliminate all noise from the washer, dryer, or vacuum. Encourage the children to be quiet. (Never mind that the children were screaming and fighting all day. Hubby is all that matters)
SOME "DO NOTS": Don't greet him with problems or complaints. Don't complain if he is late for dinner. Count this as a minor problem compared to what HE might have gone through that day. (Women are subordinates; therefore, their problems are minor).
MAKE HIM COMFORTABLE: Have a cool or warm drink ready for him. Have him lean back in a comfortable chair or suggest that he lie down in the bedroom. Arrange his pillow and offer to take off his shoes. Speak in a low, soothing voice. Allow HIM to relax and unwind. (Never mind that you have a migraine or your back hurts. He has to be comfortable).
LISTEN TO HIM: You may have a dozen things to tell him, but the moment of his arrival is not the time. Allow HIM to talk first.
(Always him first).
MAKE THE EVENING HIS: Never complain if he doesn't take you to dinner or to other entertainment. Instead, try to understand HIS world of strain and pressure and HIS need to unwind and relax. (Never mind that the children had a cold, the washer broke down, the sink stopped up, etc. He is the one who needs to unwind and relax. You don't deserve a night out.)
The goal of all of this is to make your home a place of peace and order where your husband can relax in body and spirit.
I'd love to hear your thoughts on this one.
Sounds like Leave it to Beaver LOL. Your right it was all about the MAN. I think because most women didn't work outside the home that's why they were supposed to make it nice for the MAN. I guess they thought all the women did all day was nothing.
ReplyDeletei took woodworking ;)
ReplyDeleteI know I'm replying to an older post, but I just came across it. As much as it makes me weary to see this, it pleases me that we've come far enough that this is considered ridiculous by many now. Home Economics in my High School was not nearly so sexist, but there was a heavy emphasis on women taking it. In our last two years of High School it was an optional course that you could pick. I was heavily discouraged from choosing another option, as the guidance counselor thought that I would get less use out of Computer Aided Drafting or Library Science. In time, I hope, even these prejudices will fade.
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