While nostalgia for the 1950s family ideal could mislead today, the author Stephanie Coontz provides context for why this nostalgia existed. The 1950s family was an experiment due to the social and economic environment, not a long-standing tradition. People watched shows like Leave it to Beaver to reassure themselves or compare to the ideal. Families felt confident due to recent progress, financial security, and government support compared to the past. However, not all lifestyles were accepted and freedom was limited for some.