Social Norms Throughout Generations

I recently spoke with both my grandparents about social norms when they were twenty years old. With females, cussing, smoking, and drinking were frowned upon. Women that graduated high school were expected to go to college and pursue some sort of career in office administration or education, then settle down and take care of a family. My grandpa discussed how he had to work military drafts into his schedule. Men were expected to go to high school, then either enroll in the military or attend college. Some drinking and smoking was accepted for men. I also had this discussion with my parents. My mother discussed how she was expected to do household chores like the dishes and laundry, while my father had to do chores like yardwork and washing cars. All that was asked of my mother was that she graduate high school before getting pregnant or married. My mother wanted to attend college, but it was quickly dismissed in her household because it would be a “waste” for someone meant to become a wife and a mother. She went on to discuss how her only dreams included going to college and having a career, but she had to put her dreams on hold. My father however lived a particularly rowdy “hippie” lifestyle and had no limitations on drinking, smoking, cussing, and other recreational activities. I feel that some of these social norms are the same with twenty year olds today, but maybe more relaxed. For example, I’m still expected to go to college like my grandma was. However, I’m not expected to become a wife and a mother right away. My parents emphasize the importance of my long term career goals more. With men, they are no longer expected to serve in the military or attend college immediately after high school. Drinking and smoking may be considered unacceptable in households, however in college life it seems to be pretty much accepted everywhere.