How were female characters depicted in the 1950s literature?

[Russellwyt]

Were they "damsels in distress" or like Bond girls, more self-reliant?

[pavalamani pragasam]

"damsels in distress" were very much in favour. Chivalry's hayday continued. Then emerged the self-reliant Bond girls putting an end to gallantry and replaced by blatant male chauvnism.