Premarital Sex? Not for This 1950s Chicago Girl. She Told Me Why in 1989

I interviewed almost 200 American adults for my 1990 television series looking back at the 1960s and 1950s. Each person told their story in 1989 when this was recorded. I purposely selected mostly ordinary folk to be in my series rather than famous people. This woman very articulately stated her experience as a Catholic girl growing up in Chicago Illinois in the 1950s in a traditional family living a traditional life. Get married. Be a mom. Maybe be a secretary as she says. But as the 60s came on, she felt she wanted more. She wasn't being pushed as she said. It was her own desire to do more with her own life while continuing to love motherhood. I have interviewed many women from this period of time challenged by motherhood and the workplace as two "responsibilities" that they felt they could not do with equal passion and give each the amount of time needed.

Premarital sex in the 1960s was a controversial topic and considered taboo by many in Western societies. Attitudes towards sexuality and sexual behavior were undergoing significant changes during the time period, particularly among young people, who were becoming more liberal and open-minded. However, the conservative attitudes of older generations and religious institutions often continued to view premarital sex as immoral and sinful.

The sexual revolution of the 1960s and 1970s challenged traditional norms and values, leading to greater sexual freedom and a shift in attitudes towards premarital sex. The availability of effective birth control options, such as the birth control pill, also played a role in increasing acceptance of premarital sex.

Despite the changing attitudes, premarital sex was still stigmatized and many people felt pressured to conform to traditional moral standards. As a result, discussions about premarital sex were often kept private and not discussed openly in public.

Overall, the 1960s was a time of change and evolution in attitudes towards sexuality and premarital sex, as young people sought to challenge traditional norms and establish a more open and liberal society.

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David Hoffman filmmaker