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MRS Degree facts for kids

Kids Encyclopedia Facts

A MRS Degree was a slang term used in the past. It described when a young woman went to college or university mainly to find a husband, instead of focusing on her studies for a future job. The term came from "Mrs.", which is a common title for married women. It was not a nice way to describe someone.

What Was a "MRS Degree"?

The term MRS Degree was a casual, often negative, way to talk about a young woman's reason for going to college. Instead of aiming for a career or learning new things, some people thought these women were just looking for a husband. This idea was more common in the middle of the 20th century, especially in North America.

Why Did People Use This Term?

This term became popular when more young women started going to college. However, at that time, the opportunities for women after college were often limited. Many people believed a woman's main goal was to get married and raise a family.

Women's Roles in the Past

In the mid-1900s, society often expected women to become wives and mothers. While some women did work, many jobs were not open to them. Higher education was becoming more common, but for women, it was sometimes seen differently. People thought college could be a good place for young women to meet educated young men who would have successful careers.

College Life Back Then

For some, college was not just about learning. It was also a place for social events and meeting people. This led to the idea that some women attended college mainly to find a suitable husband. The "MRS Degree" term suggested that finding a spouse was their real "degree" or achievement from college.

How Things Changed

Over time, the roles of women in society changed a lot. Women gained more rights and opportunities. They started pursuing many different careers and became leaders in various fields.

Women's Opportunities Today

Today, women go to college for many reasons. They study to become doctors, scientists, engineers, artists, and much more. The idea of a "MRS Degree" is now very old-fashioned. It does not reflect how women use education to build their own futures and careers.

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