My husband and I were talking about this topic this morning on our way to drop him at work. Forgive me if this isn't a good place to ask or if you're not interested in explaining. Why the 50s? And why are the 50s considered traditional in the US, despite it being a blip in time and not around long enough to start a tradition? Dont get me wrong, I love the aesthetic. I'm midway through sewing up a vintage style 50's wrap dress.

The times themselves were very prosperous, as things can be post-war, but at the same time it was very.. consumerist? Like a beautiful painting, but absolutely devoid of feeling. It was in fashion for the men to work late constantly, heavily drink, cheat on their wives and even beat them, and be generally shitty to their children. There's the meme of the 50s housewife day drinking and/or tossing back antidepressants, and I'm not sure how much truth that holds (but after staying home with my children for several years, I could kind of understand how it would become reality). It just doesn't seem like anyone was truly happy.

As far as careers go taking care of small children, managing home finances and the household, and having a small business on the side is not a small feat. That's difficult to manage and still extremely respectable. Side things like your small business are important for growth and expression of ourselves outside of our husband and children (especially since children will eventually leave the home after they're grown and ready).