An actual 1955 Good Housekeeping article

lizmatt · Aug 18, 2006

I don't know, there still is a lot of this going on. When I worked as a CNA, a coworker of mine was going through pre-marital counciling with her pastor. There was a workbook that went along with the class she and her fiance were taking. Though not as extreme, a lot of the values showed that the man was superior, because that is the way God intended it to be. The thing that still sticks in my mind was it said in this workbook that the man was to make the final decision in all major decisions, and all arguments. Ugh, This woman believed this is the way it should be, because this is the way she was raised in her church. I have nothing against religion, but seriously? because her pastor says this is the way it should be - she is set to live a life submissive to her husband.

My father was raised this way, and now that he and my mother are no longer married, he feels he is unable to to these tasks (and his house shows signs that that these things are neglected). He even mentioned to me the other day that he "even has to prepare his own dinner, because there is no one there to have it on the table when he gets home" hmmmm maybe my mother would still be there, if the expectation had not been there for all of those years (especially when she was expected to work as well)

so though things are changing - there are still people with expectations which are pretty unrealistic and outdated

Lizzypooh · Aug 18, 2006

man, if i had spent all day, and even parts of yesterday, preparing a nice meal for my husband, and he didn't even come HOME that night... i would be some pee'd off..

MuddaMia · Aug 18, 2006

I occasionally lurk on fundamentalist and conservative Christian bulletin boards .

This would be entertaining...I bet I'd see half of my neighbors there. Do point me in the right direction...pls

TazziRN, RN · Aug 18, 2006

Oh how we miss those bygone days.

:angryfire :angryfire :angryfire

You know that PM I sent you? I take it back!

Selke · Aug 18, 2006

Yeah, it sounded like that book "Fascinating Womanhood" that came out in the 1970's, as the Snopes website hinted at. The "surrendered wife" is the more recent update of this genre. There were a few other books put out in the 1970s but can't remember the authors -- I think Dr Dobson and several who are now leaders in the Christian right authored them (big surprise, eh?).

Or, it could be a parody of this genre, such as the "Ladies Against Women" performance protest of the Reagan years, and others I can't remember.

Josifek · Aug 18, 2006

Beautiful article. Too bad we have to go half way around the world to find wives like this nowadays. Oh well, at least some cultures still keep to the way things should be.

luvkitties · Aug 18, 2006

:angryfire :angryfire :angryfire
You know that PM I sent you? I take it back!

Give it to the one who posted above me...:angryfire

firstyearstudent · Aug 18, 2006

Beautiful article. Too bad we have to go half way around the world to find wives like this nowadays. Oh well, at least some cultures still keep to the way things should be.

I know what you mean. I'd like one of those old-fashioned mail order brides myself, but the government says two women can't get legally married! Shucks...

dorimar, BSN, RN · Aug 18, 2006

I know what you mean. I'd like one of those old-fashioned mail order brides myself, but the government says two women can't get legally married! Shucks...

HA! hilarious!!!

I was about to say it was just the times, but then i read the article. Even for th 50's that was ludicrous!

HARRN2b · Aug 18, 2006

Some American women still feel that way. I spent the summer with some younger women 18-21, and was suprised that they felt that way. They are from conservative families with money. These ladies are going to college to find husbands and do exactly as this article states. I was shocked. One is attending a conservative Christian college in the midwest this coming year. She is looking for a husband not a major. I specifically asked her what she would major in and she told me that it did not matter as she never planned to work anyway. She is a beautiful girl, and I am sure will have many young guys knocking at her door. I just could not believe it, but I guess from my sociology course, it all depends on how one is raised.

DutchgirlRN, ASN, RN · Aug 18, 2006

My daughter has a 1953 Home Ec textbook and it says many of the same things. Nothing however about not questioning your husband about where he's been. Basically, look nice, have dinner ready, house clean, kids quiet, etc...

NettyHold · Aug 18, 2006

My husband's best man read that for our wedding toast! I thought it was hilarious, real or not!

Netty