Before the women's movement of the 1960's and 1970's in America, women's roles were primarily of a domestic nature. Although some women did work outside the home, their incomes supplemented their husband's primary incomes. Most mothers of preschoolers were stay-at-home moms who took care of most domestic needs such as child-rearing and homemaking. A turn of the century American writer who exercised her voice in support of women's equality was Susan Glaspell, author of the one act play "Trifles". This play illustrates the clear lines between the gender roles of early twentieth century Americans.

             Perhaps the most significant social custom in America before WWII was that of men and husbands being the breadwinners - working as farmers, attorneys, sheriffs, etc. - in the family while the women and wives stayed home and tended to the home, chores and children. This arrangement created an unequal relationship between men and women because, perhaps subconsciously, money means power; therefore, if women had no money, they had no power. Throughout the whole play there was always an incident where the men are in an act of dominance. One example of male dominance mentioned by Janet Grose is that Glaspell does not "give [her] women first names or maiden names. " This confirms their subordinate roles to their husbands; the women seemingly have no identity apart from their spouses" " (Grose). The men's obvious control shows in the scene when they "barge into the Wrights' house confidently ahead of the women [who] stand timidly near the door (Grose). Another scene that demonstrates how the breadwinners make all the decisions is where Mr. Hale makes a comment about that "Wright wouldn't care what his wife wanted" (Glaspell 936). Glaspell clearly demonstrates that the men of this time did not care what their wives wanted. Their places as heads of households were firmly intact.

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             A crucial distinction between men and women of this era was the expectations of proper social behavior and interaction between the sexes.