Teenagers in the 1960s grew up in a world with strict rules that dictated how they should behave, dress, and even think. Many of these expectations seem outdated today, and younger generations would struggle to imagine living under such rigid guidelines. Back then, conformity was key, and stepping outside of the norms often led to judgment or even outright punishment.
Here are some of the social expectations ‘60s teens had to follow that would feel ridiculous in today’s world.
Girls Were Expected to Marry Young
Back in the ’60s, the main goal in life for many young girls was finding a husband. They were encouraged to get engaged straight out of high school, and many were married before their 20th birthday. Those who remained single for too long were often pitied.
Today, the expectation for women to marry young has largely faded, with more people choosing to focus on personal growth, education, and career development before settling down.
Boys Had to Be the Breadwinners
Teen boys were raised with the expectation that they would one day be the sole providers for their families. A man’s worth was often measured by his ability to earn a living and support a wife and children. The notion that a woman could work and contribute financially was not widely accepted.
Girls Had to Take Home Economics
While boys were encouraged to take shop class and learn practical trade skills, girls were automatically enrolled in home economics. The purpose of these classes wasn’t just to teach cooking and sewing, it was to prepare young women to be good housewives. The expectation was that they would run a home, cook for their husbands, and take care of the children.
Dating Had Strict Rules
Teen dating in the ‘60s followed a very formal set of rules. A boy had to call a girl’s house and ask her father for permission to take her on a date. Girls were expected to wait for boys to make the first move, and any kind of public display of affection was heavily frowned upon. Going steady was a big deal, and breakups could be seen as scandalous.
Dress Codes Were Extremely Strict
Youngsters didn’t have the freedom to express themselves through fashion the way they do today. Schools and parents enforced strict dress codes, especially for girls, who were required to wear skirts or dresses with hemlines below the knee.
Boys had to dress neatly, usually in slacks and button-up shirts. Jeans were seen as rebellious, and casual clothing was not always considered appropriate.
Curfews Were Taken Seriously
Most teens had strict curfews that were non-negotiable. Parents expected their kids to be home by a certain time, and missing curfew often led to serious consequences. Getting home past curfew usually meant being grounded, losing privileges, or worse.
Now, many parents take a more flexible approach, relying on communication and trust rather than rigid rules.
Girls Were Expected to Be Modest and Reserved
Girls were told to be polite, soft-spoken, and modest in their behavior. Expressing strong opinions, speaking loudly, or showing too much personality could be seen as unladylike. Flirting openly or being too friendly with boys could damage a girl’s reputation. In contrast, modern teenage girls are encouraged to be confident, outspoken, and assertive. Expressing oneself is now seen as a strength rather than a flaw.
Boys Were Pressured to Be Tough
To show emotion was not something boys were encouraged to do. Crying, talking about feelings, or showing vulnerability was usually ridiculed because they were expected to be strong, stoic, and tough. The phrase “boys don’t cry” was taken seriously, and emotional suppression was the norm.
Premarital Sex Was Scandalous
Any hint of sexual activity outside of wedlock was considered scandalous because teenagers were expected to stay virgins until marriage. Girls who were suspected of being sexually active faced harsh judgment, and pregnancy outside of marriage was often hidden or considered shameful. Attitudes toward sexuality have changed greatly, and conversations around safe sex, consent, and personal choice are widely encouraged today.
Women Had Limited Career Aspirations
Although men were expected to pursue careers, women were usually discouraged from working outside the home. Girls with ambitions beyond being a wife and mother were often considered unusual, and many careers were simply off-limits anyway.
If a woman did work, she was usually funneled into roles like teaching, nursing, or secretarial work.
Teen Marriages Were Common
It wasn’t unusual for teenagers to get married right out of high school. Many couples tied the knot before they turned 20, often due to societal pressure or an unplanned pregnancy. Staying single into your mid-20s or beyond was considered unusual.
These days, young people are waiting longer to marry, choosing to establish their careers and personal lives before settling down.
Peer Pressure to Conform Was High
Individuality wasn’t celebrated in the ‘60s. There was immense pressure to fit in and follow social norms, including how you dressed, how you behaved, and what your future plans looked like. Standing out too much could lead to being ostracized or seen as rebellious.
Strict Gender Roles in Social Activities
Social activities were often separated by gender. Boys played sports, built things, and learned about mechanics, while girls were expected to focus on homemaking and socializing. Activities like dance lessons, sewing clubs, and etiquette classes were geared toward young women, while boys were pushed into leadership programs and outdoor survival skills.
Church Attendance Was Expected
Church attendance every Sunday was considered a fundamental part of life when boomers growing up. Families dressed in their best clothes, and skipping church was frowned upon. Many teens felt pressured to participate in religious activities, even if they weren’t personally interested.
Today, church attendance is more of a personal choice, and religious beliefs are far more diverse among young people.
Teachers and Parents Had the Final Say
Respect for authority was strictly enforced in the ‘60s. Questioning a teacher or parent was seen as disrespectful and often punished. Teens were expected to follow instructions without argument, and discipline could be harsh.