So what exactly was the "barefoot and pregnant" bit about anyway?

[What Exit?]

Just that, I posted something about it in chat just now and have no good clue what it actually meant or was in reference to.

Anyone know?

BTW: Silly answers and debate is fine by me on this one.

[OneCentStamp]

It's sometimes extended to "barefoot, pregnant, and in the kitchen," and it's a term used to describe the rightful place of women - barefoot implying no need or way to leave the home.

I think it's fairly new (i.e. 20th century), and I don't think I've ever heard it used sincerely; only ever as a way to poke fun at stereotypical chauvinist thought. (Not saying that there aren't people who think that way; just that they don't say it in those words.)

[Skald the Rhymer]

In the kitchen because one of hte the woman's two primary roles is to handle domestic duties.

Pregnant because her other role is to service the man sexually, and no note will be taken for her desires or comfort.

Barefoot to make it harder for her to escape.

[Myrnalene]

Being barefoot also points to economical hardship (and possibly corresponding educational deficiencies), all making it harder for the woman to leave her situation.

[OtakuLoki]

I think it's fairly new (i.e. 20th century), and I don't think I've ever heard it used sincerely; only ever as a way to poke fun at stereotypical chauvinist thought.

You're lucky. I remember hearing it while in that bastion of equality and progressive thinking: the Navy. It was never quite 100% seriously intended, however it was often used as a wistful description of the proper role for those unnatural women on the tenders.

[AllWalker]

It makes it easier for the guy to give her a footrub. You know, because being pregnant can be physically tiring.

You people manage to turn everything nice into an insult with your cynicism.

[hatesfreedom]

Yah, i don't know totally I admit. It's just that a lot of the women the few women I've dated seriously looked at it more as being a sign of security and luck to be 'bare foot and pregnant' with the guy they loved. I guess terms have a way of meaning something different to anybody depending on where they are.

[parzival]

Well, I've never heard it used in a positive manner toward a woman, even if it might represent something desirable to some. If I have heard it (and I don't know that I've ever heard it totally seriously), it was to indicate resentment/anger/confusion at a woman who was working, instead of being a housewife.
To me, the barefoot part was an indicator that she's at home, and has no need to ever leave the house. Her man provides for her (economically, and of course sexually at least as far as procreation is a part of sex). There's almost a positive to that, it's just terribly outdated to suggest that all men and women should fill those roles. And as mentioned, I haven't seen it applied or used in any positive sense, even by women for whom that is an ideal.