1950s vs Today

Throughout history the roles of women have changed dramatically. Since the 1950’s, women have slowly but surely evolved into the individuals one sees today in public offices, law firms or even the five o’ clock news. However, this evolution did not occur over night. Although women in the 1950’s and today have dealt with similar stereotypes, today life has greatly improved because women aren’t as pressured to get married, are taken more seriously in the business world, and are even making as much or more money as men.One reason daily life has greatly improved for women today is because women aren’t as pressured to get married now. In the 1950’s most women married after high school and fell into their traditional roles right away.

The U. S. marriage rate was at an all-time high and couples were tying the knot, on average, younger than ever before. Getting married right out of high school or while in college was considered the norm. Now, studies show American women are waiting longer than ever to get married. The average age at first marriage hit a record high of 24. years old in 1994, up from 20 years old in the mid 1950’s.

That’s the oldest age since the Census Bureau started asking about the age at marriage in 1890. There are also many changes in today’s families; fewer women staying at home, fewer children born to families, and more women in college. Now men are able to stay home with the kids and become a “stay-at-home dad” while the woman “brings home the bacon”. Secondly, life has improved for women today because now women are taken more seriously in the business world.In the 1950's, the fact that a woman was even attending college was uncanny and paranormal, and the few brave women that chose to learn further were not taught mathematics and science (fields they were later going to succeed in) but home economics and cooking. Additionally, during the 1950’s, because housekeeping and raising a family were considered ideal female roles, only two out of five women with husbands and school-age children worked outside the home. In today’s world women account for 55% of all college students and 60% of women work outside the home as opposed to 34% in 1950.

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There are even 1. 6 million women as military veterans; another 164,000 currently serve in the military (accomplishments that would otherwise have been considered bizarre). Lastly, daily life has improved for women today because today women are making as much or more money as men. In the 1950’s some women worked the same jobs that men did, however, they got less pay and fewer opportunities. At that time, young women typically made about 58 cents to every dollar a young man made, today its 82 cents and rising.Nowadays, there are also many changes in job compensation including some women executives making almost 15% more than their male counterparts. Furthermore, a dual income is a necessity due to a collapsing economy and now families need a woman’s income for financial support.

It’s apparent that women's roles have drastically changed in the last sixty years. Women have gone from being Suzie Homemaker or June Cleaver to strong feminists like Hillary Clinton or Gloria Stinen. Women have been able to make a difference in the world.They've been able to do more than just make an imprint in their children's lives. They've become hard workers, strong leaders, achievers, and providers. Women have come a long way since the 50’s but there is still so much more to go. Thanks to the advancement of women, America is now beginning to have a better way of life where competence is not measured by our sex but by the skills we possess.

Women of the 1950’s and Today By Kimberly Real Compare and Contrast Essay English 096-CW7 October 22, 2010 Instructor: Professor Finnell

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