Question

Did the sitcoms analyzed in the article (I Love Lucy, The Honeymooners, and Our Miss Brooks) do what Friedan suggested mass media did, that is, stifle women’s aspirations and contribute to the feminine mystique?

Answer 1

The correct answer to this open question is the following.

No, the sitcoms analyzed in the article (I Love Lucy, The Honeymooners, and Our Miss Brooks) did not do what Friedan suggested mass media did, that is, stifle women’s aspirations and contribute to the feminine mystique.

The sitcoms and mass media contents during the 1950s indeed tried to maintain the women's image of a mother who just needed to raise children and take care of the family issues while the father was out working and provided the family. However, sitcoms in the 19g0s such as "I Love Lucy," developed different contents that showed a more active role, even a feminist role of women in society.