1930s: The relationship between men and women is clearly defined. Men are the breadwinners and the heads of the families. Women stay at home to take care of the children and the housework. Today: Men and women share the economic burden of the household. Many married women with children are in the workplace. Preschool children are cared for in daycare centers or at home with paid baby-sitters.
1930s: Racism is condoned throughout the country, and laws in the South enforce segregation. African Americans are kept out of many industries. Today: Discrimination on the basis of race, gender, ethnicity, or disability in the workplace is illegal.
1930s: Violence against women is widespread and ignored by the police. Today: Violence against women is illegal, and perpetrators are being vigorously prosecuted in both civilian and military life.
1930s: Most religious African Americans belong to either a Baptist or Methodist congregation. Today: Many African Americans have turned away from Christianity to the Muslim religion. Strong leadership has developed within the Black Muslim movement to keep it a viable religious alternative for African Americans.
1930s: Colonialism dominates the African continent. It is carved up among the major nations of Europe who exploit it for its rich resources. Today: All nations in Africa are self-governed, but the remnants of colonial mismanagement has led to unrest in a number of African countries.
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