The Second Shift, 1960s–1990s

The 1950s and 1970s saw another surge in the numbers of women working for pay outside the home. Higher education, second-wave feminism, and the economic downturn of the 1970s all led to the widest swath of women moving into the paid workforce. Among them were middle-class married women with children. 

"My Wife Doesn't Work," around 1965

Courtesy of Library of Congress, POS 6 - US, no. 956

Apron, around 1950

Apron, around 1950

Gift of Donald W. Foote in memory of Elizabeth B. Foote

What do you think this cutesy apron is saying about housework? About women?

Harder family with their Ford, Pasadena, California, 1955

Harder family with their Ford, Pasadena, California, 1955

Nancy Harder drove the station wagon when taking their children to doctors' appointments, schools, and other local places.

Mom's taxi, around 1955

Mom's taxi, around 1955

Gift of George and Nancy Harder

For more about this story, visit America on the Move

Mother's Helper game, 1968

Mother's Helper game, 1968

Gift of Sara M. Krohn

View object record

A mother's work is never done, and even little helpers must be managed. Father must be out doing paid work.