Stanford University
Women in the 1950s
Learners learn about suburban communities in the 1950s. In this women studies lesson, students watch a Power Point presentation about suburban communities in the 1950s. Learners look at images from the 1950s and discuss what they think...
OpenStax
Open Stax: Post War Prosperity and Cold War Fears 1945 1960: The American Dream
Looks at the policies of President Dwight D. Eisenhower, both at home and abroad. Also examines changing gender roles in the 1950s, and the impact of suburbanization on America.
Stanford University
Stanford History Education Group: Women in the 1950's
[Free Registration/Login Required] Were American housewives of the 1950's as happy as images depict them? This resource examines the women of the era closer to find out.
CommonLit
Common Lit: "Who Is Katherine Johnson?" by Nasa
CommonLit.org is a wonderful resource to use in a Language Arts classroom. Each story or article is accompanied by guided reading questions, assessment questions, and discussion questions. In addition, students can click on words to see...
US National Archives
Eisenhower Presidential Library: Women in the 1950s
Find links to primary sources in the Eisenhower Presidential Library that refer to women who were in federal service or political office during the Eisenhower administration.
George Mason University
Gmu: History and Collections: Women in the u.s. Military 1950s
Read about why the military had such a hard time recruiting women to serve in the 1950s. Find out about the unequal treatment afforded female members of the military.
Other
Constructing the Past: Shaping the American Women
This article from a history periodical looks at advertising aimed at women in the 1950s. After refuting conclusions made in a study in the 1970s that claimed that women in the 1950s were little more than domestic workers in their home,...
Khan Academy
Khan Academy: Women in the 1950s
Looks at what life was like for women in 1950s America. Examines the tension between the expectations of conformity and domesticity and an emerging discontent as many women chose to continue working after World War II. Meanwhile, African...
CommonLit
Common Lit: "The Women of Hidden Figures" by Jessica Mc Birney
A learning module that begins with "The Women of Hidden Figures" by Jessica McBirney, accompanied by guided reading questions, assessment questions, and discussion questions. The text can be printed as a PDF or assigned online through...
Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History
Gilder Lehrman Institute: History Now: The Role of Women in the 1950s
[Free Registration/Login Required] Use this lesson plan to explore the roles of women in the 1950s. After working men's jobs during World War II, women went back into the home when the men returned. Examine how well this worked out.
Khan Academy
Khan Academy: Us History: 1945 1980: Women in the 1950s
Learn about the myths and realities of women's lives during the 1950s.
PBS
Pbs American Experience: Mrs. America: Women's Roles in the 1950s
Learn about the role of women in the 1950's. American society was geared toward the family and marriage and children were part of the national agenda.
Digital History
Digital History: Sources of Discontent
After World War Two, many women placed a higher priority on marriage and having a family. However, this trend changed during the 1950s and by 1960 more women were attending college, working outside of the home, marrying later, and having...