The idea of the suburban housewife as the "dream" emerged in the United States in the post-World War II era, during a time of significant social and economic change. After the war, many soldiers returned home and started families, and the country experienced a period of economic growth and prosperity. This created a new middle class, and many families moved out of the cities and into newly-developed suburban areas.
The suburban housewife was seen as the ideal for several reasons. First, the postwar economy created a new consumer culture, and the housewife was seen as the primary consumer in the household, responsible for making purchasing decisions and creating a comfortable home for her family. Second, the suburban lifestyle was seen as a way to escape the problems and challenges of the city, such as crime, pollution, and overcrowding. The suburban housewife was seen as a symbol of this idealized lifestyle, which offered a safe and comfortable environment for families.
However, it's important to note that this idealized image of the suburban housewife was not universally shared, and many women and feminists criticized it as limiting and oppressive. The image of the suburban housewife as the dream was based on traditional gender roles and placed women in a domestic sphere, while excluding them from many other areas of society. Over time, many women have challenged this image and worked to expand their roles and opportunities beyond the home.