Society in America during the 1950s was one that portrayed men and women in very different, but rigid roles. Women were housewives, secretaries, and mothers. Men were providers, war heroes, and businessmen. Television, newspapers and magazines played an important role as well in determining ways men and women should behave. Advertisements for real estate were designed to sell to the All-American family. For example; Dad would be the returned home veteran who is now running the company, Mom is an ideal housewife who works a couple days a week for extra vacation cash, little Billy likes baseball and his sister Susie plays with dolls. Houses designed with this type of family in mind would prove very effective in luring away many from the city to live in suburbs like this at a rapid pace. Most jobs in the work place were gender divided. Help-wanted ads placed in newspapers in the 1950s were very gender biased as well. Some ads with attention getting headlines could have read: Sales Girl, and Brides! Housewives! Occupations offered to women at this time were very limiting.Veterans coming home in the fifties would find that everywhere they turned something was being marketed with them in mind. Automobile makers and home developers capitalized on the idea of the American life and how appealing it was to so many soldiers. One subdivision in particular named, Green Acres, was especially glamorized, and was advertised in such a way that any red blooded American would love to raise a family there. Extra rooms, large yards, and room in basements for play areas made these houses ideal for beginning families. Green Acres came off as luxurious and large, but affordable to the average middle-class family. The subdivisions strategic planning put it accessible to the amenities of the city, but also near highways, parks, schools, and most importantly churches. A perfect home for a perfect All-American family. Another attractive feature that Green Acres ...
