What was “The Difficulty of Securing a Plain Girl” in 1926 really about? Five things this odd phrase reveals about dating, beauty, and gender a century ago.
gender-history
What If 1920s America Accepted Unwed Mothers?
In 1925, parents often expelled daughters who had children out of wedlock. What if American society had chosen acceptance instead? Three grounded scenarios.
Brothels vs ‘Pure’ Women: Sex and Double Standards 1900–1920
In the early 1900s, American towns had both celebrated “pure” wives and tolerated brothels. Here’s how that double standard worked and why it mattered.
‘Wife Beater Sentenced’: 5 Things That Headline Hides
In April 1925, a ‘Wife Beater Sentenced’ headline hid a bigger story about domestic violence, law, and gender. Here are 5 things that were really going on.
Why Modern Tradwives Aren’t Actually Traditional
Modern online “tradwives” look old-fashioned, but their lives are very different from real historical housewives. Here’s how origins, methods, outcomes, and legacy compare.
“Which Is The Ideal Girl?”: 5 Things 1925 Got Wrong
In 1925, newspapers asked readers to pick the ‘ideal girl.’ Here are 5 things that quiz reveals about beauty standards, sexism, and modern dating culture.