Why did some men find their role in the family diminished during depression?

Loss of Income and Unemployment: The Great Depression led to widespread job losses and economic hardships, disproportionately affecting men who were the primary breadwinners in their families. This loss of income and unemployment directly impacted their ability to provide for their families, challenging their traditional role as financial providers.

Gender Norms and Expectations: During the depression, traditional gender roles were still deeply entrenched in society. Men were expected to be the primary earners and protectors of their families. The inability to fulfill this role due to unemployment or reduced income could lead to feelings of inadequacy, shame, and a diminished sense of masculinity.

Cultural Stigma: Men who were unemployed or struggling financially during the depression often faced social stigma and criticism. The prevailing societal view was that men should be strong and capable of providing for their families. This cultural stigma could further erode men's sense of self-worth and their perceived role within the family.

Changing Family Dynamics: The economic strains of the depression also led to shifts in family dynamics. In some cases, women were forced to take on paid work outside the home to supplement the family income, challenging traditional gender roles and potentially altering power structures within families. This could further diminish the sense of male dominance and importance within the family unit.

Increased Reliance on Government Support: The depression saw an unprecedented expansion of government intervention and welfare programs. This, in turn, reduced families' reliance on men as the sole providers and introduced a new sense of dependency on external sources of support. This could further chip away at men's sense of autonomy and their traditional role as the breadwinners.