As someone else who was not alive in the 1950’s and 1960’s I cannot bear witness to how men acted during those times. However, I would surmise that men valued these:

their egos first,
their castles second,
their automobiles third,
their meals prepared for them quickly fourth,
their sexual relationships cheaply given fifth,
and anything else they could get their hands on (recipients of physical abuse, e.g.) sixth.

My bet is on similar masculine behavior in 2009, with slight modification.

Kevin, one possible reason many men do not discuss their wives at work is that their marital relationship has matured enough that things go without saying.

Another reason could be that their wives read emails but their children do not; therefore a phone call is the only method of communication — during the day — with their children.

Regardless of the outcome, the suspicion you hold is most likely valid: men do not deal with their wives in a loving fashion. It is easier to always start fresh with children who believe we wear a red cape and save the world during the day, than to develop and re-develop a starving relationship with a woman who hears us groan, grumble, and sees many of our faults. It requires a high level of repentance.

I believe parents who love their children do not love their children if they do not love their children’s mother and live moment-by-moment for her joy.