Gender Roles In The 1930s Of Mice And Men

John Steinbeck’s novella Of Mice and Men depicts women of the 1930s through the character of Curley’s wife.

Women’s roles in the 1930s can be viewed by history, gender difference, and their duties. During the time the European conquest, Native American girls were taught homemaking skills by the Europeans to further change their society to a European society. (Lunardini, 8) Additionally, in the 16th-17th century, the Puritans believed that husband was the authority figure in the family and that his wife and children should obey without question. (Lunardini, 9) These factors in American history shaped the way gender roles were for the future. Women and Men were extremely different during this time period. Married women were supported by their husband and they should not be allowed to work because they will be taking a man's job. (Mass) Men tried their best to be the breadwinners as they tried to find work while women were homemakers. (“1930s”)

Women were responsible for cooking, house cleaning, and mending. (“1930”)

Women faced inferiority in the 1930s as well, however, this was not a new thing as it was seen all throughout history. Native American women had as much status as a man. However, as the Europeans came to the New World they gradually lost their status. (Lunardini, 8) This shows that European culture formed the inferiority of women which continued throughout history. Women's inferiority can also be seen as they faced gender inequality. Many jobs preferred men over women, and federal agencies paid women much less than men. (Boehm)

Women also faced inferiorly in the work life. Women colleges did not women to pursue careers because it was a man’s job to work. (Boehm) Laws made by the government enforced that women keep their traditional house-keeping roles and not work.