Bruno Pugh
For years, the story of men as the “real” breadwinners has been told like it was carved in stone. But history tells a much messier, livelier tale—one where women’s work kept the world spinning. Ready to trade myths for the real deal? Let’s dig in.
Rethinking The “Traditional” Family
The idea of the man as the natural breadwinner and the woman as the natural caregiver isn’t a timeless one. Instead, this common belief is a modern invention, only becoming popular in recent history. Your view of the perfect family might surprise you.
Our Deep Past Tells A Different Story
For most of human existence, men and women shared work differently. In hunter-gatherer societies, which were our most extended evolutionary phase, women frequently provided the majority of the food by collecting plants and even small animals.
Moms Worked, But They Had Help
Across various cultures and time periods, mothers often combined childcare with their other responsibilities. This was made possible with help from extended family and community members, usually called “alloparents,” who quietly encouraged a shared sense of responsibility for raising children.
Women In Early American Labor
From colonial farms to frontier towns, American women worked right alongside men. They were also a vital part of family businesses and farms, helping to run everything from fields to shops. Turns out, women’s work has been interwoven with America’s growth from the very beginning.
Industrial America Didn’t Sideline Women
Some claimed women belonged only in parlors, not workplaces—but reality disagreed. Women fueled the industrial machine, whether in textile factories, kitchens, or small home-based businesses. Laws and customs kept trying to rein them in, yet industry kept reminding everyone: without women, production and profit would’ve looked very different indeed.
The Census Didn’t Count It All
By the year 1900, official data showed that about 20% of U.S. workers were women. However, many more worked without pay, for family businesses, or had jobs that were not officially recorded due to the strong social stigma around them.
Post-War Pushback
After World War II, society strongly urged women to return home from their factory jobs. Though many did, a large number kept working, quietly contributing to the economy. The popular image of the “happy housewife” hid a labor force that continued to grow.
Working Moms Are The Norm
Today, working mothers are the standard, not the exception. The fact is, two-thirds of American mothers work outside the home. And this trend holds true across all types of families, regardless of political or social beliefs.
Dads Can—And Do—Care
Science shows that fathers’ brains and hormones adapt to caregiving just like mothers. Despite this, cultural pressure still often puts dads on the sidelines at home. Your understanding of a father’s role in raising kids might be wrong.
This Myth Hurts Us All
The outdated idea that a man must be the only provider puts unfair pressure on everyone. It limits a woman’s opportunities while burdening men with unrealistic expectations. Ultimately, it hurts families and the mental health of everyone involved.