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1950s Dating Culture
Jul 27, 2024
1950s Dating Culture
Introduction
Focusing on 1950s American dating culture.
Misconception that 1950s dating was more serious and clear-cut compared to today.
Many aspects of 1950s dating are similar to modern dating.
Dating as a Pastime
In the 1950s, dating was often a casual, social activity.
Young people dated multiple partners and could date their friends' partners.
"Your Dating Days" (1954) describes modern casual dating as recreation.
Importance of knowing many people to better understand one's ideal partner.
Teen Dating Culture
Most advice and material from the 1950s focuses on teens and young adults.
Casual dating was highly common among high school and college students.
Going steady meant exclusivity but wasn’t always permanent.
Exchange of rings and pins signified going steady.
Ending a steady relationship was common and informal.
Dating Advice and Social Expectations
Parents often encouraged teens to date many people before settling down.
Dating advice columns like those from "Boy Loves Girl" provided guidance.
Communication norms and gender expectations: boys asked girls out, but girls could ask boys to dances and would have to pay.
Importance of being clean, tidy, and socially skilled.
Social Activities and Physical Affection
Dates often included activities like bowling, skating, and diner outings.
Terms for physical activities:
Kissing: regular and more casual.
Necking: more passionate kissing, possibly leading to hickeys.
Petting: could range from cuddling to more intimate actions.
Parking: private time in cars, usually involving some form of physical affection.
Getting fresh: a boy being too forward, often blamed on the girl.
Modern and Historical Similarities
Modern issues like ghosting and casual attitudes towards relationships existed in the 1950s.
Many 1950s dating tips remain relevant today: be yourself, be confident, and have interests.
Race and Societal Norms
Interracial and interfaith relationships were discouraged due to societal challenges.
Engagements and Marriage
Engagements typically lasted 6 months to a year, with around one-third ending before marriage.
Breaking off engagements was advised over entering a bad marriage.
Rebounds were common but generally not advised for successful marriages.
Ideal marriage ages: men 25, women 21, usually followed by a one-year engagement.
Financial Management in Marriages
Wives often controlled household finances, even if legally the money was the husband's property.
Conclusion
Some aspects of 1950s dating (like casual dating) might be beneficial today.
However, normalized infidelity and unclear relationship statuses were problematic.
Similarities between 1950s and modern dating highlight unchanging human social behaviors.
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