“Oh Lucy!” Sitcoms and the 1950s Housewife in the Early Cold War

Abstract

With his trademark exclamation, “Ai-yai-yai-yai-yai,” Ricky Ricardo expresses his frustration with his well-meaning wife Lucy in the popular 1950s American sitcom I Love Lucy. Although the Ricardos have provided countless hours of laughter for many viewers, a deeper truth lies in the midst of the exploits and ensuing comedy. Lucy, whose short-sightedness often places her in difficult situations, is an aspiring actress who also juggles her duties as a housewife and mother. Lucy constantly tries to add more excitement to her life, auditioning for commercials and attempting to bring her entrepreneurial dreams to fruition. When her plans fail, Lucy remains upbeat and hopeful, an example to her fellow housewives who may be experiencing the same difficulties as she. Despite the constant quibbling between Lucy and Ricky, their television marriage and parenthood provide a safe haven for them and an escape from the troubles of the outside world, especially from the Cold War tensions and fear of nuclear war. This is a consistent theme in situation comedies of the fifties; middle-class housewives often faced trying situations and dilemmas, but they ultimately found solace within strong, steady homes. The portrayal of women in sitcoms during the 1950s offered a model of idealized female roles for families in the insecurity of early Cold War America. This is evidenced by the inherent homogeneity in television, the pro-American sentiment in reaction to worldwide tensions, and the ensuing societal expectations of housewives.