Because many of the men in our country were away at war, women started taking on new roles. They began to work in jobs that were typically for men. For example, many women had to work in factories or on farms. When the men began to come home from the war they often felt out of place. This is shown in "The Best Years of Our Lives." In this movie the father must find his place all over again. This role reflects the role of men during that time frame.
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In the 1950's westerns were very popular. These books, television shows and movies showed traits the typical man was expected to have. Men were supposed to be strong courageous and not emotional. Young boys would find these examples of masculinity in their fathers as well as the roles they received from media. For example, Mac Dillon was a very popular western figure. Many boys (even men) admired his Manly qualities.
Girls wanted to pattern their lives after their mothers. They were taught that fulfillment comes from the role of housewife and mother. They also were taught that they needed men. Their overall goal was to find a man and then have a family. These women had four basic job options: secretary, teacher, nurse or stewardess. Many of the women who actually went to college took classes in "domestic sciences." These messages came at women from every direction. In one song the phrase, "You can't get a man with your brain (video #6)," shows how women of the time were programmed to believe.
There were many reflections of the ideas of the 1950's in the media. One Example is a line from a commercial of the 50's. In this commercial men were told that all they needed to be happy was "A warm woman and a cold beer, (video #6).
The "Ozzie and Harriet Show." is another example of the media's reflection of public ideas in the 50's. In this show the ideal family was shown. In this sort of a family men and women embraced their expected roles. Ozzie and Harriet set an example that all families of the time were expected to follow.
