"Mothers, unless they were very poor, didn't work. Both of my parents had to leave education. My mother had to work in a cotton mill until 18 or 19, when she took some training in domestic science"

This quote by Roger Bannister talks to the traditional gender roles of the time. It recommends that moms were anticipated to remain at home and not work, unless they were really poor. This was likely due to the absence of chances for women in the workforce. Bannister's parents were no exception, as his mom needed to operate in a cotton mill until she was 18 or 19. After that, she took some training in domestic science, which was a common field for ladies at the time. This quote highlights the limited options offered to ladies in the past, and how they were often expected to handle standard roles in the home. It likewise speaks with the value of education, as Bannister's parents needed to leave school in order to work. This quote functions as a reminder of the progress that has actually been made in terms of gender functions and opportunities for females in the labor force.