Joan Harris: A 1960s Working Mom Breaking Taboos
Joan Harris is an interesting character because she exists as a working mother in the 1960s. While working mothers have always existed in some way or another, they were not often portrayed on TV, especially in the time period that is portrayed on Mad Men. Joan is played by actress Christina Hendricks and she becomes a mother during the show after having an illicit affair. Joan ends up raising her son, Kevin, alone. Like many women, her child drives her for more success to ensure his future. At the end of the series, Joan is on the road to finding her own success as a business owner and a single mom, a beautiful break from the typical presentation of women from the time.
