In the 1950s, the stereotypical, all-American family consisted of a mother and a father and at least two children, one of those a boy. The father went to work in the city, and the mother stayed at home to take care of the children and manage the household chores. During this time period, it was common to live in the suburbs. In In Cold Blood, the Clutters met the requirements of consisting of a mother, father, and four children, the youngest a boy. Mr. Clutter, however, farmed, and Mrs. Clutter did not take care of the household, in spite of being at home. Mrs. Clutter remains at home, but due to her “illness and the departure of the elder daughters,” a housekeeper cleaned the house and the husband and the children cooked (Capote 9). After