A Lady’s Life in the 1920s, Part 1: A Summer Saturday
Sep 14, 2023
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Explore life in 1920s America, from economic disparities to daily routines. Uncover the advertising techniques for sanitary products and the emergence of diet culture. Learn about the evolution of radios and the impact of chain grocery stores.
The 1920s in America had a stark contrast between the wealthy and the poor, with growing income inequality.
Fashion in the 1920s became more practical and accessible, reflecting the changing roles of women in society.
Deep dives
The 1920s: A Era of Contradictions
The 1920s in America was a time of prosperity and opportunities, with a growing affluent middle class. However, wealth distribution was unequal, with the rich getting richer and the poor staying poor. Many Americans, including indigenous people, Mexicans, and farmers, faced poverty and struggled to make ends meet. The era was marked by contradictions, with some enjoying a high quality of life while others lived below the poverty line.
1920s Fashion: Practical and Comfortable
Fashion in the 1920s saw a move towards practical and comfortable clothing. This shift was influenced by the changing roles of women in society, as they became more active outside the home. Designers like Coco Chanel revolutionized women's fashion, introducing simpler lines, eliminating corsets, and incorporating men's clothing elements. The popular flapper look represented a statement of fashion and rebellion, but it was not the norm. The 1920s brought a democratization of fashion, making it more accessible for many women.
Diet Culture and Body Image
The 1920s witnessed the rise of diet culture and body image concerns, with a focus on thinness. Influenced by changing societal ideals and the availability of abundant food, women were encouraged to count calories and engage in physical exercise to achieve the fashionable flapper figure. Popular diet products, fad diets, and calorie counting became prevalent, perpetuating thinness as a marker of health and attractiveness. This emphasis on body image fueled body image issues in women and contributed to the culture of appearance in the 1920s.
The Rise of Radio and Changing Grocery Shopping
The 1920s saw the rise of radio as a form of entertainment and communication. While radios were initially expensive and seen as unattractive, improved designs made them more accessible towards the end of the decade. Radio provided a new way for Americans to connect and enjoy various programs, from music and sports to news and educational content. In terms of grocery shopping, local stores, along with public street markets and door-to-door peddlers, were the primary sources of fresh food. However, the emergence of chain grocery stores with self-service options began to change shopping habits.
Season 4, Episode 9. Rise and shine! It’s time to get up and start our day in the life of a 1920s American gal. Let’s find out some things about life in the period, from what we’re wearing on a casual Saturday to what we’re eating for breakfast, where we’re getting our food from, and (of course) how we’re dealing with that time of the month. Pull up your stockings and turn up that radio. Let’s go traveling.
I’ve finally got Exploress merch back up and running! You can now buy my ladycentric timelines, maps, and art prints at my Printable shop. Second: I’ve got a novel out! NIGHTBIRDS is a 1920s-tinted fantasy about girls who will gift their magic with a kiss: for a price. Buying merch or my book are both GREAT ways to support me, but also, I’m just glad you’re here.
You'll find show notes for this episode, includng images and a list of my sources, at my Exploress website. If you want to support the show, you can do so over on Patreon.
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