Oh, patriarchy.

It's such fun to see what a little research into the past digs up. I'm working on a media analysis paper for class Monday evening, and golly, I'd be annoyed if it weren't so much fun. Patriarchy in the media from the old days up till now yields quite a bit of interesting information, like this classic gem from Housekeeping Monthly, May 13, 1955. (which snopes rather discounts, but it's still fairly valid...)

"Have dinner ready. Plan ahead, even the night before, to have a delicious meal ready, on time for his return. Be a little gay and a little more interesting for him. His boring day may need a lift and one of your duties is to provide it. Your husband will feel he has reached a haven of rest and order, and it will give you a lift too. After all, catering for his comfort will provide you with immense personal satisfaction."

In the words of Judy Brady: My God, who wouldn't want a wife?

(Happily, I've also rediscovered Anne Taintor in this hunt for 1950's advertisements, who is the perfect antidote to the perfect housewife.)