Things That Were Normal In The 50s That Are Socially Unacceptable Now

In the 1950s, lighting up a cigarette was practically a social requirement. You'd see people puffing away in restaurants, airports, on airplanes, and even hospitals! Heck, cigarette ads were everywhere, and people were told it was GOOD for them! But now? Smoking indoors is banned almost everywhere, and smoking in public places is a huge no-no.

Back in the day, the dad was literally "the king" of the household, and women were expected to stay at home, cook, and clean. It was so common that it was basically the American dream - fast forward to now, however, and gender roles have shifted dramatically. Women are CEOs, astronauts, and even presidents, while men are embracing stay-at-home parenting. #Equality!

In the '50s, it was totally normal for dads to drive off in the family car for hours, leaving moms and kids at home. It’s like they were living in their own little man-cave on wheels. These days, family trips are all about carpooling and everyone staying together, or at least equal share of the car.

In the ‘50s, parents would tell their kids to go outside, and they’d come back only for dinner. No texting, no apps, just a bunch of kids riding bikes, playing kickball, or jumping rope. Now? Well, the idea of letting kids roam freely outside is practically unheard of. Parents today are all about helicopter parenting, so its goodbye to those carefree outdoor adventures for kids!

Back in the '50s, it was completely unthinkable to leave the house without being decked out in a full suit or pretty dress! You could be grabbing a sandwich at a deli, but you'd better at least be wearing a tie! Now? Throwing on sweatpants to go to the grocery store is practically a sport. Things sure have gotten more comfortable, that’s for sure!

In the ‘50s, if a boy got into trouble, the go-to excuse was "Boys will be boys," which mostly meant they were allowed to get away with pranks, fights, and generally bad behavior - isn't that cute? Thankfully, it's not the case these days, and we’re all about accountability and teaching boys how to be better.

It may feel a bit icky now, but it wasn’t uncommon for wives in the ‘50s to refer to their husbands as “sir” in public and even at home! Imagine calling your spouse ‘sir’ today - awkward! Modern relationships are about equality and mutual respect, not formal titles. We're just not into that old-school hierarchy anymore.

In the ‘50s, if a kid was acting out in public, parents didn't hesitate to give them a good old-fashioned spanking right there and then! Can you even imagine? Nowadays, not only would that be frowned upon, but it could also land you in legal trouble! Timeouts and positive reinforcement are the way to go now, all that "gentle parenting" stuff.

In the ‘50s, toys were very STRICTLY divided by gender: dolls for girls and trucks for boys, etc. Today, we've learned that toys shouldn’t define who kids are or who they become! Gender-neutral toys are all the rage, with everything from action figures for girls to science kits for boys. So let’s throw out the “pink for girls, blue for boys” rulebook, for the love of everything good!

The ‘50s was the golden era of the housewife, and men were hardly ever seen in the kitchen - they probably didn't even realise they had one in the house! Women were expected to whip up three-course meals daily, while men sat back and relaxed with a stiff drink. In 2025? It's definitely a lot more equal.

In the ‘50s, women would wear gloves to formal dinners, even if they were just eating something as basic as spaghetti. It was all about etiquette and social status. As for us? Well, we can't remember the last time we wore a pair of gloves. They're usually reserved mostly for winter... or if you get invited to the Oscars.

It’s mind-blowing but, in the '50s, having a cocktail at your desk during work hours was totally acceptable. Whether it was lunch at the office or a celebratory drink, the workplace was basically a party. Today? Any drinking at work will likely get you a one-way ticket to HR, if not worse - honestly, this is one old tradition we would happily bring back!

Single mothers in the '50s were pretty much usually looked down upon, and society expected them to keep their little scandalous “situation” hush-hush. Now, single parents are seen as superheroes, and the stigma has practically vanished - thankfully. So, if you're rocking it solo, you're not alone in today's world!

In the '50s, questioning your boss, teacher, or even your parents was seen as rude or rebellious, and "respect your elders” was the motto on everybody's lips. Today, it is the complete opposite, and critical thinking and speaking up are encouraged in the workplace and schools (well, most of the time anyway). Don’t be afraid to ask questions - it’s how we grow!

In the ‘50s, the ideal body type was all about curves - but with an emphasis on a small waist, and a “perfectly” shaped figure (Marilyn Monroe comes to mind). Now, we’ve become much more body-positive, with a broader range of beauty standards - hello, diversity! Everyone’s perfect in their own way, and we’re all for it.

It used to be a rule that men had to wear hats whenever they went outside, whether they were heading to the grocery store or church. You’d literally see everyone in a fedora, bowler, or trilby. In 2025, hats are mostly for style or sun protection, and most guys leave the house bare-headed unless they’re hitting up a fancy event.

In the 1950s, it wasn’t weird to have the wife answer the phone and relay messages for her husband, who was often out at work - it also wasn't weird to have a phone in the house, and no answering machine. The idea of a wife being a filter between her husband and the outside world feels pretty outdated now - thank you cell phones!

This phrase was a super common mantra back in the '50s, where children were expected to stay out of adult conversations and basically sit silently and play or read. Nowadays, we know kids are full of opinions! Many parents tend to encourage them to speak up and share their thoughts, which is crucial for their development.

In the '50s, cigarette ads were featured on TV all the time, with celebrities happily promoting brands like Marlboro (remember the Marlboro Man?) and Camel. People had no idea how dangerous it was at the time, but today, smoking ads on TV are banned, and we see many more anti-smoking ads than anything else.

In the ‘50s, safety features like seatbelts were more of a suggestion than an actual, legal requirement. Cars didn’t even have them as standard! Isn't that wild!? It wasn’t until the 1960s that seatbelt laws became more widespread, and today, not wearing a seatbelt could cost you a fine or... worse.

Back in the ‘50s, men were expected to suck it up and never show vulnerability - which is just not cool. Crying was seen as a sign of weakness, especially for men. Today? We know that crying is completely natural and actually a sign of emotional strength. Mental health awareness is booming, and it’s totally okay to express emotions! So go on men, let those tears fly!

Back in the day, holding hands was the most public affection couples could show without facing stares and heated whispers. Kissing or hugging in public used to be considered scandalous, and now PDA is everywhere, from Instagram couples to smooches in the park. Just make sure you're not making the whole place uncomfortable!

Mental health was a MAJOR taboo in the ‘50s, with people often being told to “snap out of it,” or to practice their "stiff upper lip." Now, mental health is finally getting the attention it deserves, and people are able to talk openly about things like anxiety, depression, and therapy. We’re all for breaking the stigma, hurray!

It may sound weird (or maybe like a dream come true for some), but married couples in the ‘50s tended to sleep in separate beds! TV shows like The Dick Van Dyke Show even showed married couples with twin beds! Twin!! Today, the idea of not sharing a bed seems more like a red flag than a quirky tradition, but some couple have adopted separate rooms with bed sharing!

Personal space was, well, nonexistent in the ‘50s. People would sit or stand right next to you, even in crowded places like buses or trains. Now, the idea of respecting someone’s personal bubble is pretty much ingrained in modern culture (in most places) - and if someone does stand too close, they're likely to hear about it. No one’s getting on your nerves by standing too close!

Back in the ‘50s, divorce was seen as one of the biggest scandals you could commit, and those who went through it were more or less kicked out of society or fiercely judged. Now, divorce is so common that it’s almost expected in some situations! Which is pretty sad but true.

In the ‘50s, there was a VERY clear divide in school subjects based on gender. Boys took woodshop, while girls were expected to master home economics, which was basically cooking, cleaning, and sewing. Luckily, we're now all about breaking boundaries, with girls taking STEM classes and boys learning how to cook and dance! The world is a much more balanced place, and we're glad of it,

In the 1950s, grabbing a Coke and a burger for lunch was totally normal. Fast food chains were booming, and people didn’t think twice about their nutritional value. Nowadays? We’re all about healthier options - organic salads, low-carb wraps, and kombucha, anyone? Of course, we still enjoy a dirty cheeseburger every now and then, but we're much better informed!

In the '50s, it was expected that women behave like “angels in the house” — devoted to their husbands, kids, and homes no matter what, and they were basically expected to never step outside these roles. Like, ever. Fast forward to today, and women are CEOs, astronauts, and activists1 They're not just "angels" but full-fledged superheroes doing amazing things in all fields!

In the 1950s, talking about money was considered super rude. If you asked someone how much they made, it was considered impolite. Now? People are SO much more open about their salaries, whether it’s for job transparency or just to compare tips on how to save! Talking about money has become a lot less awkward and much more empowering!

In the '50s, home appliances were usually a safety hazard, aka, they were totally dangerous. Blenders, toasters, and even irons didn’t have ANY of the modern safety features we rely on today. Today, appliances are well equipped with automatic shut-offs, child locks, and so on - so, it’s no longer a death-defying mission to make toast!

In the ‘50s, it was expected that teens (and sometimes, even younger) would get a job after school to help support the family or save up for college. Kids usually worked as things like paperboys, dishwashers, or in retail. Most parents today want their kids to focus on schoolwork and other activities, letting them be kids for a little longer before diving into the miserable world of work!

While we might not be talking about full-on benders, it was perfectly normal in the '50s for parents to enjoy a cocktail (or two) in the middle of the day, especially during social events. Think "happy hour" at noon... and in the house. Maybe this is something we should try to bring back? Just an idea!

Having formal dinners every night was the height of sophistication in the ‘50s - think three courses, cocktails, and dinner jackets! Sounds pretty nice, right? A lot of faff, though. These days the only time you’ll likely see a formal meal is at Thanksgiving or a fancy wedding, we mean, who has time to set the table for every dinner when you can eat pizza in front of the TV?

Back in the day, kids were expected to “just figure things out” when it came to hazards around the house. There were no baby gates, outlet covers, or lockable cabinets - you basically just hoped that your kids don’t break anything or hurt themselves, and if they did? Well, they'd get over it.

In the 1950s, parents had access to literally everything in their kids’ lives. No private diaries, no locked rooms, and forget about having a private phone call. Nowadays, while parents still do sometimes monitor their kids, there’s a bit more respect for their privacy - teenagers especially need their space to grow and express themselves, remember that!

In the 1950s, a tan was considered the epitome of health and beauty! And sure, they still are today in some places, but back then, people would bake in the sun for hours without any thought of sunscreen or protection. At least we all know the dangers of UV rays! Sun protection has definitely become an important part of our skincare routine - who wants wrinkles or skin cancer?

The ‘50s was all about chivalry, and the phrase "ladies first" was taken very seriously in public spaces like doorways or when entering a room. But now? We're all about equal footing - no need for anyone to be put on a pedestal (although it is quite nice sometimes). A little chivalry doesn't hurt every now and then, right ladies?

Back in the day, hitchhiking was a totally normal way to get around! Strangers would pick up other strangers, and no one thought twice about it - no fear of being robbed or worse, chopped up into little pieces. Today, the idea of getting into a random car on the highway sounds like the beginning of a horror movie, and we're all about safety awareness and stranger danger!

Back in the ‘50s, if you misbehaved in school, you might have been on the receiving end of a paddle, ruler, or even a belt. A belt! Teachers had full permission to discipline students physically, and it was seen as a completely normal way for them to keep kids in order. Now, it'd be a one-way ticket to getting you fired!