🕰️ Was It Really Possible to Raise a Family on One Income in the 1950s?

4. Solid Jobs, Strong Unions
Many men worked union jobs in factories, construction, or other trades. These jobs paid a living wage, came with pensions, and had real job security. That’s almost unheard of today.

5. Veteran Benefits Helped a Lot
Thanks to the GI Bill, many dads who served in WWII or Korea got help buying homes, going to college, or even starting small businesses. That gave them a real head start.

🛑 But Let’s Be Honest…
This wasn’t true for everyone.

Many Black and immigrant families were locked out of those benefits due to systemic racism.

Women had fewer rights and were often discouraged from working or going to college.

And even back then, some families struggled quietly — it just wasn’t talked about.

🤔 So, Was It Better?
It depends on who you ask. Life was more affordable in many ways, but people gave up a lot, too — especially freedom and flexibility.

Today, families often need two incomes just to get by. And while we enjoy more tech, more comfort, and more choices, it’s also come with:

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