My grandfather described living during the great depression as one of struggle and despair. As a child I can remember my father, uncle and grandfather describing how gloomy of the period was and the sense of hopelessness the culture at that time. During the great depression gender roles were clearly defined which fit within societal norms despite appearances because of the male borders which were frequent in many households for extra income to the hosting family (Zembzycki 2007).Despite the blurring of stereotypical roles social relationships and leisurely pursuits were clearly defined (Zembrzycki 2007). My grandfather was the clear head of the household and this remained true until his death.
Just prior to the onset of the great depression the radio was developed which brought an opportunity for a momentary diversion for the country’s economic problems (Craig 2006). Men used to use the radio to maintain an awareness of the country’s deepening economic woes to develop plans for familial survival (Craig 2006).Children listened to the radio for entertainment purposes as I remember my father and uncle reminisce about looking forward to the Long Ranger show which was broadcast on a daily basis (Craig 2006). Women also listened to the radio frequently as one continued to complete household chores and care for the children (Craig 2006). Improper clothing known as relief clothes were commonly worn by those children whose families were most affected by the depression (Srigley 2007).
Food vouchers were also given to those who were less fortunate and could not afford to feed one’s family (Srigley 2007).Those fathers who were unable to provide properly for one’s family were often the most gloomy because of the helplessness that was felt (Srigley 2007). My grandfather often spoke of the nights spent awake and the jog waking at 3am for work due a fear of losing employment. Many affluent families were offended by this because it reminded one of the suffering that was occurring (Srigley 2007). For the unfortunate, families whose life were forever altered by the Great Depression the idea of persistent saving was always paramount (Zembrzycki 2007).
Wastefulness was not tolerated and those who did waste were severely reprimanded by the father who usually was the disciplinarian. My father and uncle who were both children during the great depression became quite accustomed to maximizing the usefulness out of every object because of the uncertainty of whether there would be any more. Toys and other belongings were treasured by these children and because if destroyed one would not have a replacement provided (Zembrzycki 2007).Despite the turbulent economic times of the great depression the father was always considered the breadwinner, although the women often did work outside the home to provide additional income again because of the uncertain economic times (Craig 2006).
Parents often made purchasing decisions for the family’s welfare based on the information received by listening to the radio (Craig 2006). Men also used the radio to seek information on possible job opportunities to help the family survive this turbulent economic period (Craig 2006).My father and uncle would often recite the jingles heard on the radio commercial which improved the chances of my grandparents purchasing a product when needed. A child growing up in the great depression, life was affected every aspect of a child life and ingrained financially conservative behaviors that followed them into adulthood.
This generation never complained about hardship because of the gratefulness of the blessings they had. Possessions were always cherished because of the uncertainty of replacement.
