THE FALL AND RISE OF THE DOMESTIC GODDESS

Were they really the good old days?

The sixties brought us the burgeoning liberation of women.  Ensuing decades have pretty much turned that liberation into providing the nation with another dedicated work force.  The new century finds the concept of ‘a housewife and mother’ something virtually unimaginable as both adult partners in any relationship strive to earn an income that will keep them clothed, fed and housed.  Even single parents, male or female, are encouraged and driven to leave their home and hearth to strike out into the workforce.

A trend is growing, however, for a return to the lifestyle that existed before all this began.  Is it, perhaps, becoming increasingly difficult to enjoy the fruits of our labour?  Has the modern frenetic lifestyle engendered nostalgia for the bygone age when, apparently, a breadwinner could look forward to a home cooked meal waiting in a warm and comfortable home at the end of the day, followed by an evening spent on hobbies or gentle entertainment in a relaxed environment?  From this distance of time, perhaps that life looks uncomplicated and peaceful.  But could it be true?  Were the old days really better?

It would seem that the people most likely to be able to provide an answer to the question would be those who have lived through both times.  To do just that, a national website that caters specifically to the over fifties, www.myPrime.co.uk is running a survey.  They would like to encourage as many people as possible to join in.  It’s pretty straightforward, there is a link on their home page taking you straight to the survey, and then it is simply a case of answering questions.  If you have a particular view that you want to represent, there is space at the end for comments.  They welcome all points of view and all entries go into a prize draw for £25 of Marks and Spencer vouchers.

The survey will run until 30 November 2005 and results will be published in December 2005.