During the Great Depression, men were seen as the primary breadwinners of the family. This traditional view placed significant pressure on men to provide for their families, and the widespread unemployment during this time meant that many were unable to fulfill this role.
As for those who were not seen as breadwinners, such as unmarried women or single men, they often faced more difficulties in finding employment. Societal norms of the time typically favored men as the main providers, and women, when they did seek work, were often viewed as taking jobs away from men who needed to support families. Consequently, unemployment rates were much higher among men, and many families struggled financially.
In general, society during the Great Depression often stigmatized those who were unable to fulfill the breadwinner role, contributing to feelings of shame and inadequacy. While there were social safety nets and relief programs, the overarching societal attitudes tended to reinforce traditional gender roles, making it challenging for those outside of these roles to find opportunities.