MEN SHOULD WEEPLife in the Tenements

Life in the 1930’sHow was society structured?

Very traditional roles applied Families were generally much larger than

present day. Within families there were strict duties and roles:- Men were the head of their household Men were providers Men were disciplinarians Men were in control Women subservient Women were expected to stand by their husband

regardless of his behaviour Women’s role a domestic one – wife, mother and in

the home completing ALL domestic duties

Life in the 1930’sBackground to the era

Interwar Depression – working class hit hard Dependence on heavy industry affects

employment amongst men Poor become poorer Living conditions – incredibly poor standard Health and wellbeing of working class

community seriously affected

What was ‘home’ for the working class in 1930’s Glasgow?

Tenement flats

‘Single-end’

Room and kitchenTake a look at the following images. These

clearly demonstrate the lives lived by working class families in 1930’s Glasgow

Inside the tenement

Jeannie Thomas at her range in 1920

Outside building conditions

The back court

The washing green

The wash hoose in the back court

The community wash hoose

What do you think of life in these conditions?

COMPARE TO YOUR HOME. CONSIDER:-

Space – to come together as a family and to be on your own

Living conditions As a man - it is your job to provide for you

family As a woman – it is your job to make sure your

family are cared for an have a clean home, are healthy and good meals prepared

As a young adult/child – you come from this home