Impact Of Consumerism In The 1950s

Social change developments ejected in the 1960s for a few interrelated reasons. In the first place, since the 1930s the part of the government had turned out to be progressively vital in Americans' regular day to day existences, and individuals started to look to the government to determine issues. Second, after World War II (1939-1945), the United States developed as a worldwide power that rivaled the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics (USSR); this opposition was both a political and good campaign to persuade individuals around the globe that Western popular government was better than the Communist framework received by the USSR. Third, the 1960s were times of relative financial flourishing for the vast majority of the nation, making monetary difference in the United States more self-evident. Fourth, a national culture was developing that connected all Americans more intently than any time in recent memory; TV ended up noticeably normal and enabled individuals to witness occasions occurring in different parts of the nation and the

World War II greatly stimulated America’s economy by creating millions of jobs and nearly wiping out unemployment. Due to high levels of industrial outs, wages were also increased. Since WWII caused the economy to grow rapidly, things started to change within American society. WWII had a major influence on changing American society because the growth it caused in the economy allowed African Americans and women to seek new opportunities. Since the men were away fight in WWII, women had to take over as industrial workers in factories.

The 1920’s was a good time period. There were many good things that happened which helped improve living conditions. World War 1 caused poverty and depression so people were looking for jobs and happiness in their lives. The 1920’s were the best of times because there was a rise in industries, more money to spend, and more individual freedom. Social and Economic life in the early twentieth century was improved by the new industries.

1950’s America was a time a prosperity and conformity. The 1960s and 1970s saw a huge step backwards from the 1950s. The social and societal changes showed that there was a lot wrong with the American society and that there needed to be a change. The African American migration toward the cities in the 1950s, led to an urban crisis.

The 1950s gave rise to strict social norms, the civil rights movement, the Beat generation and McCarthyism. The 1950s and the 1960s were more prosperous for some more than others. With the economy booming people were more inclined to buy more goods.(Doc C) The Black community was barred from the same opportunities as white people. While whites moved into the suburbs blacks moved to the inner cities.(Doc B)

From the beginnings of America, consumerism was a positive force for change in terms of political, cultural and geographical developments.

1 - Consumerism developed in America during the early twentieth century in large part due to the boom in industry created by Europe 's inability to create goods after World War I. Combined this with American inventions such as Henry Ford’s assembly line and Americans had money to spend (Schultz, 2013). With the advent of an electrical distribution system, Americans had electricity in their homes for the first time, which led to the desire for all types of electrical appliances to make life easier. All these new products meant that companies had to get the word out about their products which ignited the advertising industry, which led to even more consumerism. Mix into this recipe, the growing credit industry, and you had consumerism like

Cars, washing machines, heaters, and bath tubs are just some examples of the inventions in the 1920s that were created in order to make life easier for the populous. The rise of materialism in the 20s lead the older generation to believe that the younger generation was spoiled with all the machines and conveniences and created a since of entitlement in them (Document C). The accumulation of material things lead to great lifestyle changes in the general population. People often cared more about their things than the values and morals taught to them by previous generations and their forefathers. The rise of materialism was born from the expansion of capitalism, where entrepreneurs were free to create products and build businesses to cater to the demands of the 20s generation.

2 It is essential to go back to the fifties to be able to understand the sixties historically and sociologically. The fifties brought relief since the Depression and war were over, and now “science was mobilized by industry, and capital was channeled by government as never before.” 3 This new affluence gave the United States the ability to create suburbia and conform to moving in. This affected the sixties because conformity resulted in people rebelling.

The Berlin Wall and Great Depression were over and the new era came upon to spark the beginning of the 1950’s. The typical focus of this era was to protect families individually and preserve domesticity, and hold certain standards too succeed in life. To include, that in 1950’s, there was much improvement when it came to working and jobs. There were more white collar jobs in the office and other administrative settings such as: advertising, marketing, etc. After the Cold War, there was a vast Economic boom, people were earning money and putting money in the banks more than ever before.

What We Really Miss About The 1950s In her essay, “What We Really Miss About the 1950s”, Stephany Coontz talks about the myth of the 1950s. She begins her argument by stating some reasons why the nostalgia for the 1950s exists. The main thing Americans miss about the those days is the stability. She acknowledges that this fallacy is not insane.

Automobiles were affordable and were designed carefully. The majority of these cars were produced by the Ford Motor Company, led by Henry Ford, who designed a different model each year to satisfy the insatiable crowd. Many of the automotive innovations that we think of as being modern—like electric powered cars, four wheel drive, front wheel drive, hybrid fuel and electric cars—were introduced during the 1920s. The automobiles had various different colors in order to get the attention of people, especially woman, and through time, they evolved to become more comfortable to drive for men (Scott ,1). The automobiles were beneficial to the U.S because they expanded the area of habitat.

Automobiles. Telephones. Lightbulbs. These were some of the major technological innovations created during 1865 to 1920. These creations impacted many Americans, even to this day.

The Rise of the Automobile in 1920s in The Great Gatsby Perhaps no invention affected American everyday life in the 20th century more than the automobile. The invention and improvement of the automobile not only changed the America society, but also the whole world. The rapidly growing automobile industry led by Henry Ford and the Ford Motor Company produced new and better models every year to supply the insatiable public demand. Increased wages and lower cost vehicles made possible through mass production meant that cars became increasingly affordable, although 3 out of 4 cars were bought on installment plans.

Consumerism intrudes with the workings of society by overthrowing the standard judgment wish for an adequate supply of life 's necessities, a steady family and solid associations with a manufactured continuous journey for things and the purchasing power with little respect for the genuine utility of the item purchased. In today’s World World, there is a high level of consumption which has been described as a major threat on sustainability. Even though consumerism has positive effects like motivating people to work harder in order to improve their social status and well being, it has adverse effects on the environment and the social aspect of life. Consumerism, according to the new Oxford English dictionary, means the preocccupation of society with the acquisition of consumer goods. Sustainablity, on the other hand, according to the ‘brudtland report’ was broadly defined as Development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.