Social and Behavioral Sciences Commons^™

Popular Culture’S Ambivalence Toward Female Autonomy: The Great Depression, Ian M. Post

Grand Valley Journal of History

The Great Depression forced many Americans to accept new and alternate methods of income when faced with low unemployment and a harsh economic environment. This crisis spawned the autonomous women of the Great Depression's popular culture that signified the acceptance of the newly discovered role. This essay argues that although the creators of popular culture maintained ambivalence in supporting this lifestyle, they nonetheless portrayed women as finally satisfied when she became dependent on a man.