Morals and matrimony

“She should know how to do any kind of housework and keep herself looking neat and attractive.”

Henry Ford, March 1922

Ford comments on Morals and Matrimony

By Leslie Drollinger Stratmoen 

In this article, “Money, Morals and Matrimony,” that appeared in the March 1922 McCall’s magazine, the famous inventor and philosopher Henry Ford comments on the “wild young people.” The writer and interviewer of the piece is Albert Sidney Gregg.

It’s written in question-and-answer format. Here are some excerpts:

QUESTION “What effect did the war have on social relations in this country?” 

ANSWER: “It was a shaking down process,” said Ford. “Those who were leaning on somebody else went down or learned to walk alone. Many young men and women who were weak and inefficient previous to the great struggle are now strong and self-reliant. They had to brace up or go under.” 

Very insightful, I thought.

QUESTION: “Do you think there has been an increase in the pleasure seeking among the young people? In other words, are they going pleasure crazy?”

ANSWER: “Oh, no,” Ford replied, “That is merely a passing fever. Did you ever stop to think why young people are so eager to have a good time? It is because they crave experience and self-expression. Life is new and strange and they are stirred by the spirit of adventure. After that has been satisfied to some degree, they settle down and lead healthy, normal lives.”

I like how he did not single out women, but included them equally with the men.

QUESTION: “In your opinion is the average young American woman really fitted for marriage? Do you think it necessary to bring brides from Europe because American girls are frivolous?”

Woah! He makes this shipping of women sound like it was a regular practice.

ANSWER: “I believe emphatically, that all young American women of marriageable age are fitted for marriage,” said Ford. “Much depends on the kind of mates they get. I do not believe that they are all frivolous or that it is necessary to bring brides from Europe. The only instance where an importation may be justified is where a young man from a European country wishes to marry a girl of his own nationality and is unable to find one here that suits him.”

QUESTION: “What do you regard as the most desirable qualities a young woman should possess in order to make a good wife?”

ANSWER: “Common sense, a grammar school education at least, willingness to work and a thrifty disposition,” said Ford. “She should know how to do any kind of housework and keep herself looking neat and attractive. Mere beauty is not enough. Girls who get themselves up like baby dolls to please young men are making a mistake. Far better to show by their clothing, conversation and conduct that they are sensible girls of the home-loving kind. Girls of that sort usually attract fellows worth having.”

You see, even though he did give young women a little latitude because of the times, he still expected them to be of high moral standards to be the “marrying kind.”