A Collection of over 295 Greeting Cards depicting Gender Roles Differentiation 1930s-1980s
- United States , 1980
United States, 1980. Condition is overall very good. Some with scrapbook residue attached.. We are presenting a collection of novelty greeting cards accumulated by an advanced collector over a period of thirty-plus years. This collection includes over 295 cards and was extracted from a much larger collection and includes only those depicting clear gender roles differentiation. Although presented in a lighthearted manner the imagery and sentiments projects the prevailing attitudes during that time period. They include greeting cards for all occasions. Additionally some of the cards depict anthropomorphic characters. This collection has a variety of design elements and styles such as pop-up and fold-outs. The majority are single-fold cards, with some exceptions. Most measure approximately 5” x 6”. Some with signatures and sentiments.
1. Couple Behaviors – Approximately 69 cards depicting couples in various situations. Predominantly male dominated, however often reflecting on the wisdom of a wife.
Catering To
How Marriage Works
Occupations
Ogling and Romance
What Couples Do
2. Female Roles – With about 103 cards depicting females, with few exceptions females are presented as gentle and sweet, nurturers and fashion conscious, this even includes the grouping titled “Coquettes”, even as it ups the sex appeal of it depictions.
Animals in Female Roles
Coquettes
Hats & Flowers
Girls at Play
Pretend Play-Just like Mom
Studious
Sweet as Can Be
Tender Moments
Girls & Dolls
Women being Women
3. Males – Approximately 49 cards depicting males with an emphasis on being active and involved in outdoor activities, occupations and sports.
Cowboys and Indians
Manly Men
Occupations
Transportation and Aviation (Look Who’s Driving)
Sports
Their Softer Side
What Little Boys Do Outdoors
4. Role Reversals – This group only includes four (4) cards and depicts a girl aviator, girls setting up the Christmas Tree, a boy doing housework, and a "To My Husband" card.
5. Women’s Work - This group includes 9 cards depicting what is perceived to be women’s work. A majority of the cards depict household chores and surprisingly there were no cards with a teacher depicted.
Housework
Occupations Outside the Home
To link to images, click: https://photos.app.goo.gl/E4F876MmjPdbet2g7. This collection represents how something as simple as a greeting card can influence our behaviors.
1. Couple Behaviors – Approximately 69 cards depicting couples in various situations. Predominantly male dominated, however often reflecting on the wisdom of a wife.
Catering To
How Marriage Works
Occupations
Ogling and Romance
What Couples Do
2. Female Roles – With about 103 cards depicting females, with few exceptions females are presented as gentle and sweet, nurturers and fashion conscious, this even includes the grouping titled “Coquettes”, even as it ups the sex appeal of it depictions.
Animals in Female Roles
Coquettes
Hats & Flowers
Girls at Play
Pretend Play-Just like Mom
Studious
Sweet as Can Be
Tender Moments
Girls & Dolls
Women being Women
3. Males – Approximately 49 cards depicting males with an emphasis on being active and involved in outdoor activities, occupations and sports.
Cowboys and Indians
Manly Men
Occupations
Transportation and Aviation (Look Who’s Driving)
Sports
Their Softer Side
What Little Boys Do Outdoors
4. Role Reversals – This group only includes four (4) cards and depicts a girl aviator, girls setting up the Christmas Tree, a boy doing housework, and a "To My Husband" card.
5. Women’s Work - This group includes 9 cards depicting what is perceived to be women’s work. A majority of the cards depict household chores and surprisingly there were no cards with a teacher depicted.
Housework
Occupations Outside the Home
To link to images, click: https://photos.app.goo.gl/E4F876MmjPdbet2g7. This collection represents how something as simple as a greeting card can influence our behaviors.