In the 1950s, it was widely accepted that women's principal role included caring for the husband, children, and the home. Women were expected to be nurturing, emotionally expressive, and physically attractive, while men were supposed to be providers, protectors, and emotionally stable. This was particularly true in Western societies, where the traditional gender roles were highly influential.
However, it is important to note that not everyone conformed to these gender stereotypes. There were women who pursued careers outside the home and men involved in domestic tasks and childcare. Nevertheless, the social norms and expectations of the time were largely shaped by these traditional gender roles.