It can also be two people working half the time instead of full time. I would love to work only 18-20 hours a week to keep something productive in my life where results matter and do whatever else I want for the rest of the hours.

World Wars brought women to the workforce which is a great thing.

The capitalism system from the 70s onward brought the shitty situation we are in right now where both partner must work to even be able to afford a place to live and a little bit of variety in the food they eat. The difference here is that the choice was removed.