From Front Porch to Back Seat: Courtship in Twentieth-Century America

by Beth L. Bailey
From Front Porch to Back Seat: Courtship in Twentieth-Century America cover
Good Books rating 4.23
History, Identity, Culture, Sociology
Buy online
Amazon
Format/Price Check
Technical
  • ID: 10639
  • Added: 2026-02-01
  • Updated: 2026-02-02
  • ISBN: 9781421412474
  • Publisher: JHU Press
  • Published: 1989-08-01
  • Reviews: 3

From Front Porch to Back Seat delves into the transformative history of dating in America, exploring the shift from traditional courtship to modern dating practices. Beth Bailey chronicles the changes in dating patterns between the 1920s and the 1960s, offering insights into how these practices influenced and reflected societal views on gender roles. The book provides a provocative view of how we sought out mates and the cultural forces that shaped our behavior, leaving a lasting legacy that continues to influence our understanding of relationships today. More than just a historical account, this book offers a critical perspective on the dating system that dominated American culture for decades. Bailey's analysis reveals how the dating system of the past has left an indelible mark on our current attempts to define female and male roles. By examining the evolution of dating rituals, the book sheds light on the broader cultural and social changes that have shaped our society.

Reviews
BookRags · 2005-01-01
engaging 4.20

The book is praised for its engaging study of courtship and its historical insights. It is seen as a valuable resource for understanding the evolution of dating practices.

This review highlights the book's engaging study of courtship and its historical insights. They appreciate how the author, Beth L. Bailey, argues that the system of American courtship has changed dramatically over the past eighty years. They note that the book is well-written and provides a clear, concise overview of the changes in dating practices. They also highlight the book's relevance to understanding modern relationships and its value as a resource for students and scholars of social history.

Quick quotes

    Beth Bailey, a social and cultural historian at Temple University, argues that the system of American courtship has changed dramatically over the past eighty years.

    The book is well-written and provides a clear, concise overview of the changes in dating practices.

    This book is a valuable resource for understanding the evolution of dating practices and its relevance to modern relationships.

JSTOR - Journal of Social History · 1989-01-01
provocative 4.50

The book is praised for its engaging and provocative exploration of changing courtship patterns in America. It offers a fresh perspective on how dating evolved from the 1920s to the 1960s.

This review highlights the book's appeal and the depth of its analysis. They appreciate how the author, Beth L. Bailey, presents a vivid history of dating in America, making it an extremely appealing and engaging read. The book is seen as a provocative study that sheds light on the dramatic shifts in courtship patterns over the decades. They note that the author's approach is both scholarly and accessible, making it a valuable resource for anyone interested in social history.

Quick quotes

    In this extremely appealing, provocative and engaging book, Beth L. Bailey offers a fresh perspective on the dramatic shift in patterns of courtship between the 1920s and the 1960s.

    The author's vivid history of dating in America is both scholarly and accessible.

    This book provides a provocative view of how we sought out mates—and how those patterns evolved over time.

Oxford Academic - Journal of Social History · 1989-01-01
comprehensive 4.00

The book is noted for its comprehensive analysis of the transformation of American dating culture. It is considered a significant contribution to the understanding of social history.

This review emphasizes the book's comprehensive analysis of the transformation of American dating culture. They highlight how the author, Beth L. Bailey, provides a detailed examination of how courtship patterns evolved from formal 'calling' to more casual 'dating'. They appreciate the book's historical context and its relevance to understanding modern relationships. They also note that the book is well-researched and provides a nuanced perspective on the changes in gender relations over the decades.

Quick quotes

    From gentleman callers to big men on campus, from Coke dates to 'parking,' From Front Porch to Back Seat is the vivid history of dating in America.

    The book offers a detailed examination of how courtship patterns evolved from formal 'calling' to more casual 'dating'.

    This book provides a nuanced perspective on the changes in gender relations over the decades.

Appears in Lists