The United States in the 20^th Century

Week 6: Cheaper by the Dozen

Cheaper by the Dozen is a memoir written by Frank and Ernestine Gilbreth, two of the “dozen” children raised by Frank and Lillian Gilbreth in the first several decades of the 20^th century. Frank Sr. was an efficiency expert – a consultant who helped factories increase production by refining the economy of workers motions. (He was a contemporary of Fredrick Taylor, who we have discussed in class.) Lillian Gilbreth was also an efficiency expert and worked with her husband, ultimately taking over his consulting business when he died in 1924. Lillian had a Ph.D. in Psychology and is particularly famous for her theories about improving the efficiency of housework.

Although this book, published in 1948, was written for young readers and takes a lighthearted and humorous tone, it is nevertheless a valuable primary source that can teach us a lot about a particular segment of American society in the 1920s. As you read the book, consider the questions below. Record quotes, situations, episodes, and character portrayals that seem to illustrate or explain some of the questions I’m asking you to ponder.

Who were the Gilbreths? Where did they live? What kind of position did they hold in American society?

How does the book depict scientific management?

Why does Frank Gilbreth think time/motion efficiency is a good thing for American workers? How does this view compare with other depictions of scientific management we have encountered in this class?

The authors seem to be making fun of their parents’ efforts to bring “efficiency” into the family home. Why might this have been funny to mid-twentieth century readers – or to us for that matter?

What else does this book reveal about 1920s society in terms of…

· Youth culture and flappers?

· Consumerism?

· Gender roles?

· Middle class ideals?

· Ideas about progress and technology?