Who were seen as the breadwinners of most families during the Great Depression? How did society at this time treat people who were not seen as breadwinners?
During the Great Depression, the breadwinners of most families were typically men, as they were expected to provide for their families financially through employment. This was largely due to traditional gender roles and societal expectations at the time.
Women who were not seen as breadwinners during the Great Depression often faced discrimination and marginalization. They were usually expected to focus on domestic duties such as cooking, cleaning, and childcare, rather than being in the workforce. Many women who did work outside the home were often limited to low-paying and insecure jobs, as they were seen as supplementary earners rather than primary providers.
Those who were not seen as breadwinners, such as women, children, and the elderly, often faced struggles during the Great Depression as they were dependent on the primary earner in the family for financial support. The lack of social safety nets and employment opportunities for these individuals meant that they were more vulnerable to poverty and hardship.
Overall, society at this time placed a significant emphasis on the role of breadwinners in a family, often neglecting or devaluing the contributions of those who did not fit this traditional role.