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1950s Household
The 1950s have been idolized as a time when women knew their place, and men took care of their women. Now it's a fetish. I blame June Cleaver... When you do the vacuuming in pearl and high heels, it starts something wicked in the imagination.
-- "Ward, you were awfully hard on the Beaver last night."
elements of a 1950S hOUSEHOLD
In a 1950s household, social roles are strictly divided along traditional lines. The man of the house earns the income for the family. The woman of the house is responsible for the running of the household, however she is subservient to her husband and cares for his needs, as well as those of any children. For a number of couples, this context is carried over to a BDSM lifestyle. In addition to the basic roles, the sub/domme elements are reinforced."The 1950s household is a social and sexual dynamic that attempts to
recreate the stereotypical male-dominated marital relationship of the
50s. In truth, this activity is more social and relational than sexual,
although sex can play a part. In a 1950s household, traditional gender roles are maintained. This is a type of power exchange
based completely on gender roles. The man probably works at something
"manly" like business, skilled labor, or management. He takes pride in
his career and providing for the family.
The woman in this situation probably stays at home as a wife or mother. If she does leave the home, it is probably for her college studies or for pre-baby work in fields such as teaching, nursing, or other "feminine" jobs. Her main responsibility, of course, is her home and her family. This woman takes pride in cooking, cleaning, ironing, and raising her children. She may do outside activities such as volunteer work or being active in a church society.
The woman in this situation probably stays at home as a wife or mother. If she does leave the home, it is probably for her college studies or for pre-baby work in fields such as teaching, nursing, or other "feminine" jobs. Her main responsibility, of course, is her home and her family. This woman takes pride in cooking, cleaning, ironing, and raising her children. She may do outside activities such as volunteer work or being active in a church society.
HOW TO BE A GOOD WIFE
In theory, this is from a Home Economics High School Text Book, 1954. It's also often posted as being from 1955 Housekeeping Monthly, which is definitely not true. It's still amusing though.- Have dinner ready. Plan ahead, even the night before, to have a delicious meal, on time. This is a way of letting him know that you have been thinking about him and are concerned about his needs. Most men are hungry when they come home and the prospect of a good meal are part of the warm welcome needed.
- Prepare yourself. Take 15 minutes to rest so that you'll be refreshed when he arrives. Touch up your makeup, put a ribbon in your hair and be fresh-looking. He has just been with a lot of work-weary people. Be a little gay and a little more interesting. His boring day may need a lift.
- Clear away the clutter. Make one last trip through the main part of the home just before your husband arrives, gather up schoolbooks, toys, paper, etc. Then run a dust cloth over the tables. Your husband will feel he has reached a haven of rest and order, and it will give you a lift, too.
- Prepare the children. Take a few minutes to wash the children's hands and faces (if they are small), comb their hair, and if necessary change their clothes. They are little treasures and he would like to see them playing the part.
- Minimize all noise. At the time
of his arrival, eliminate all noise of the washer, dryer,
dishwasher, or vacuum. Try to encourage the children to be quiet.
Be happy to see him. Greet him with a warm smile and be glad he is
home.
- Make him comfortable. Have him lean back in a comfortable chair or suggest he lie down in the bedroom.
- Have a cool or warm drink ready for him.
- Arrange his pillow and offer to take off his shoes.
- Speak in a low, soft, soothing and pleasant voice. Allow him to relax and unwind.
- Listen to him. You may have a dozen things to tell him, but the moment of his arrival is not the time. Let him talk first.
- Make the evening his. Never complain if he does not take you out to dinner or to other places of entertainment. Instead, try to understand his world of strain and pressure, his need to be home and relax.
- Don't greet him with problems or complaints.
- Don't complain if he is late for dinner. Count this as minor compared with what he might have gone through that day.
Some don'ts:
The Goal: Try to make your home a place of peace and order where your husband can renew himself in body and spirit.