The 1950’s in Color – Life in America #3

In the 1950s, the roles of husband and wife were generally defined by traditional gender roles and societal expectations. Men were expected to be the breadwinners, working outside the home to provide for their families, while women were expected to focus on domestic duties such as cooking, cleaning, and caring for children. It’s important to note, however, that not all couples adhered strictly to these gender roles, and there was certainly diversity in the ways that people lived their lives and structured their relationships.

Gas prices in the 1950s saw an increase of about 7 cents per gallon, rising from an average of 18 cents per gallon at the beginning of the decade to 25 cents per gallon by the end of the decade.

During this time, the economy was experiencing a significant period of growth, resulting in more widespread availability of consumer goods such as new cars, consumer products and suburban houses than ever before.

The 1950s marked the rise of car culture, with the introduction of President Eisenhower’s Federal-Aid Highway Act in June of 1956, which paved the way for the construction of 41,000 miles of national highways. This development made it possible for families to embark on road trips, contributing to the growth and popularity of car travel.

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