Mothers of the 30's

     Before the Dust Bowl woman lead very domestic lives where their only worry was anything pertaining to the home. While the men were the general leader in the home and the breadwinner. In the beginning of The Grapes of Wrath, Steinbeck emphasizes on the very structured family dynamics before the transition. This is typically where the men make the decisions and the women listen. In the novel Pa Joad is the head of the family and Ma Joad acts as the glue. These roles played a vital part in the survival of many families. However, these roles soon changed as families will have to adapt to different life circumstances.

     This exhibit will explore the lives of the women whose roles switched to become the leaders of their families. As the men soon retreat from their primary roles the women step up to take on greater tasks for the survival of their families.