In 1925 a New York photographer asked, “Who should push the baby carriage, husband or wife?” What that question revealed about gender, class, and parenting then vs now.
social-history
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.
What 1973 Words About the Opposite Sex Reveal
In 1973, a conceptual art project asked men and women to describe the opposite sex in a single word. Here are 5 big things those answers reveal about gender.
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.
After-School Life in 1925: 5 Things Kids Really Did
What did kids do after school in 1925? From chores and jobs to street games and radio, here are 5 real parts of American childhood between the bells.
5 Things a 1925 Name Survey Reveals About Identity
In May 1925, a New York newspaper asked people if they liked their own names. Here are 5 surprising things that simple question reveals about identity and change.