How Did The Great Depression Affect Families

The Great Depression was an event that affected everyone from young to old. This severely changed numerous of lives. Many people found themselves out of work and searching for a better life. Funding for education was low and children rather worked. Plus, teenagers and their parents were traveling to search for a new life. The years of the Great Depression were very difficult for those who lived through them and they also mark an important era in this country’s history.
This era of history did not affect a majority of people. Many wealthy people did not get affected at all. Some were unconscious of the people around them. About forty percent of Americans did not face real destitution. The Depression changed the family in dramatic ways. Couples delayed getting married and divorce rates dropped because, the legal fees and paying for two households were too expensive. The customary house roles changed during this time period. Men who were the original breadwinners were out of a job and had to depend on their wives and children to help make ends meet. Some men stopped
Students were also forced to wear worn out, mended clothes and were too embarrassed to go to school.People couldn't pay their property taxes so school districts were lacking funds. Few teachers were hired and there wasn't enough money to buy books and supplies. Students were forced to use worn textbooks which sometimes had pages missing.Students were forced to bring their own supplies to school. Since many parents couldn't afford to buy these supplies, students dropped out (2). In many places, teachers’ salaries were lowered. Some teachers were paid in “scrip” which was a money substitute. Some teacher lost their homes and had to live in school buildings. No matter how low the pay was they were grateful to have a job at all