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Live Alone: The 1930s Sensation for Women
6 Nov
Summary
- Marjorie Hillis's 1936 book encouraged women to live alone.
- The book sold 100,000 copies in its first month.
- It offered a modern take on female independence for its era.
Marjorie Hillis's 1936 book, "Live Alone and Like It," captured the public imagination by advocating for women's independence and fulfillment outside of marriage. This self-help guide, born during the Great Depression, sold an impressive 100,000 copies in its initial month, becoming a significant cultural moment.
Author Joanna Scutts examines Hillis's groundbreaking ideas in her new book, "The Extra Woman." Scutts traces Hillis's career and the era's social landscape, comparing the "live aloner" phenomenon to contemporary self-help trends and anxieties.
Hillis's work challenged the societal norm of women existing solely within couples, presenting single women as complete individuals. Despite its privileged framing, the book's message of self-reliance and personal happiness resonated widely, offering an aspirational lifestyle during uncertain economic times.
"The Extra Woman" delves into the marketing of "Live Alone and Like It," including department store tie-ins, and discusses how Hillis's emphasis on self-knowledge and personal choice remains relevant today. The book highlights enduring themes of consumerism, self-discovery, and the pursuit of happiness.
