Meaning: Jackie Kennedy, the First Lady of the United States from 1961 to 1963, made this statement, reflecting on the societal expectations placed on women of her generation. This quote encapsulates the limitations and challenges that many women faced in the mid-20th century when it came to balancing work and family. In the 1960s, societal norms and expectations often dictated that a woman's primary role was to be a homemaker and caregiver, with little emphasis placed on pursuing a career outside of the home.

For many women of Jackie Kennedy's generation, the idea of working while also raising a family was not widely accepted or encouraged. The prevailing attitude was that a woman's responsibility was solely within the domestic sphere, and pursuing a career was often viewed as incompatible with the role of a mother and wife. This societal expectation created a significant barrier for women who aspired to have both a family and a career, leading to a sense of frustration and unfulfilled potential.

In her statement, Jackie Kennedy alludes to the lack of opportunities for women in her generation to pursue meaningful work outside the home while also raising a family. The notion that women were not "supposed to work" if they had families reflects the deeply ingrained belief that a woman's place was primarily in the home, caring for her children and tending to domestic duties. This limited view of women's roles had a profound impact on the aspirations and opportunities available to them.

The question posed by Jackie Kennedy – "What were they going to do when the children are grown?" – highlights the lack of consideration given to the long-term prospects and ambitions of women who were expected to prioritize family over career. The implication is that once their children were grown and no longer in need of constant care, women would be left with a void in their lives, devoid of meaningful work or purpose beyond their roles as mothers.

The imagery of "watching the raindrops coming down the window pane" conveys a sense of stagnation and unfulfilled potential. It speaks to the idea that without the opportunity to pursue their own aspirations and interests outside of the domestic sphere, women of Jackie Kennedy's generation were left with a sense of unmet potential and unrealized ambitions.

Jackie Kennedy's quote serves as a poignant reminder of the societal constraints that many women faced during her time as First Lady. It sheds light on the challenges and limitations imposed on women who sought to balance their roles as caregivers with their desire to pursue meaningful work and personal fulfillment. While significant progress has been made in the decades since Jackie Kennedy's tenure as First Lady, her words continue to resonate with many women who have experienced similar struggles in navigating the competing demands of work and family.

In conclusion, Jackie Kennedy's quote reflects the societal expectations and limitations placed on women of her generation, highlighting the challenges many women faced in balancing work and family. It serves as a reminder of the barriers that existed for women seeking to pursue meaningful work outside the home and the impact of societal norms on their aspirations and opportunities. While progress has been made, this quote serves as a poignant reminder of the ongoing struggle for gender equality and the importance of creating more inclusive and supportive environments for women in both the workplace and the home.