Married Women’s Workforce Stigma

In the ’60s, more women were entering the workforce than ever before, but society still clung to traditional gender roles. This was reflected in that singles were more accepted in the workplace than married ones who were expected to stay home and care for their families. Unlike today where working partners are desired, many men preferred those who accepted not seeking employment after marriage.

Earlier in the 20th century, a few young and unmarried people worked outside the home, and their occupational choices were severely limited. They were stigmatized for entering the workforce, and their choices were even more circumscribed if married.