Adjustment Quote by Anita Loos
“From early Colonial days, sex life in America had been based on the custom of men supporting women. That situation reached its heyday in the Twenties when it was easy for any dabbler in stocks to flaunt his manhood by lavishing an unearned income on girls. But with the stock-market crash, men were hard put even to keep their wives, let alone spend money on sex outside the home. The adjustment was much easier on women than on men, who jumped out of windows in droves, whereas I can't recall a single headline that read: KEPT GIRL LEAPS FROM LOVE NEST.”
About This Quote
Source Essay: American Social History, 1920s, 1930s (historical analysis)
Economic downturn forced men to abandon lavish spending on women, highlighting gendered expectations and emotional strain during the Great Depression.
In simple terms: Men lost status and women adjusted more easily.
Key Takeaway
Recognize how economic crises reshape gender roles.
Themes
gender
economics
social change
mental health
Mood
melancholic
reflective
Type
historical
social commentary
When to use this quote
- Great Depression
- financial collapse
- family dynamics
- urban life
Key Concepts
masculinity
dependency
social norms
Questions to Reflect On
- How did financial loss affect male identity?
- What coping mechanisms emerged for women?
A Different Perspective
Economic hardship can exacerbate mental health crises.
