The ideal female in the fifties was a stay-at-home mom who
ran her household effortlessly, had milk and cookies for her children when they came
home from school, made perfect meals, and was, if not submissive, then at least
deferential to her husband, who was in all ways the head of the household. She
exhibited very little sexuality because it was her husband's satisfaction that was
important, and besides, husbands and wives were shown sleeping in twin beds, not
together. These women were always portrayed as dressing modestly. Women were not
generally college-educated, and if they were, it was only for the purpose of meeting
prospective husbands and/or to make them better wives. They were not expected to pursue
careers. Generally, the only acceptable work outside the home was volunteer
work.
Some television shows that portrayed women like this
were Leave It to Beaver, I Remember Mama, and
Father Knows Best. The only program that went against these
stereotypes in any way was I Love Lucy, because at least Lucy
presented as an "imperfect" wife in some ways.
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