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Chapter 19 Section 2 The American Dream in the Fifties

Chapter 19 Section 2 The American Dream in the Fifties. MAIN IDEA: During the 1950’s the economy boomed, and many Americans enjoyed material comfort. The Organization and the Organization Man.

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Chapter 19 Section 2 The American Dream in the Fifties

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  1. Chapter 19 Section 2The American Dream in the Fifties MAIN IDEA: During the 1950’s the economy boomed, and many Americans enjoyed material comfort.

  2. The Organization and the Organization Man • By 1956 the majority of Americans no longer held blue-collar (industrial jobs), more people worked in higher-paid, white –collar jobs • Many worked at Conglomerates: A major corporation that includes a number of smaller companies in related industries • Franchise: a company that offers similar products or services in many locations…example: McDonald’s

  3. Social Conformity • Many Americans became standardized just like the food industry • Loss of individuality-Businesses did not want creative thinkers or rebels • The Organization Man- Book based on a classic 1956 study… described how the new, large organizations created “company people” • Personality tests were given to make sure people fit in • American Dream? Conformity replaced Individuality

  4. The Suburban Lifestyle • Job security allowed families to provide the “good things” in life • Suburbs embodied the American Dream • BABY BOOM-birthrate after WWII soared ( 1957, 1 infant born every 7 seconds) • Largest generation in history • Marriage age decreased

  5. ADVANCES IN MEDICINE AND CHILDCARE • Dr. Jonas Salk-a vaccine for polio • Many women raised children according to a guide by author and pediatrician Dr. Benjamin Spock: Common Sense Book of Baby and Child Care • Advised not to spank or scold children • Toy sales went up • School enrollment went up=teacher shortage

  6. WOMENS ROLES • Role of homemaker and mother was glorified in magazines • Time magazine identified the homemaker as “the key figure in all suburbia…the keeper of the American Dream” • Most women however felt discontentment, isolated, bored, & unfulfilled • Betty Friedan-author of The Feminine Mystique (described identity crisis)

  7. LEISURE IN THE FIFTIES • More leisure time than before • 40-hour workweek w/ vacation • Labor saving devices-washing machines, dishwashers, lawnmowers • Participation in sports; fishing, bowling, hunting and golf increased • More watched sports on television • Americans became avid readers; Reader’s Digest and Sports Illustrated peaked

  8. AUTOMOBILE CULTURE • Easy credit and advertising allowed many to buy cars • Suburban living made owning a car a necessity-no public transportation • “Automania”-led to interstates and highways • Cars spurred jobs in areas such as: drive in movies, malls, and restaurants

  9. CONSUMERISM UNBOUND • Consumerism-buying material goods, came to be equated with success • Brand goods become more popular • Planned Obsolescence- manufacturers made goods that were obsolete; wear out or become outdated quickly • Credit Cards became more popular-American Express • Private debt grew at a fast rate • Advertising became a powerful tool

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