Dating During WW2

In the first decade of the twentieth century, men "called upon" young women whom they fancied by (with the permission of her parents) visiting her home. The two would spend time together, usually with the supervision of her parents so that they may get to know each other on an intellectual and emotional As the twentieth century progressed, many young members of the upper class grew to dislike the "calling" style of dating and started rebelling by going on dates as did members of the lower class. Dating became a common and more relaxed way to get to know another person, especially when the automobile was invented and widely consumed by the American public. Now with their own modes of transportation and much more freedom, young people began going out to restaurants or to the cinema to have fun, instead of having lengthy discussions with the woman 's parents. During the 1920s and 1930s, dating became a system of ratings. Women would only accept date invitations from men with money and gifts and tried to refrain from being seen with the same boy too often. The dating scene among college students was very

As a result of the mandatory draft, most of them were overseas fighting the war—many of whom never returned. Women became less concerned with a man 's status and more about his likelihood of survival. A new relationship style called "going steady" emerged. Across university campuses, couples publicized their decision to "go steady" when the man gave the woman an article of his clothing to wear, such as a jacket, sweater, or ring. In both "going steady" and "dating" relationships in the 1940s and 1950s (unlike those of previous generations), peers had a much larger influence on the relationship than did the family. As the twentieth century progressed, young couples were more likely to partake in premarital sex within the context of committed