1950s Popular Culture

Question 1

What were the three main areas of 1950s popular culture?

Answer 1

1. Teenagers
2. Television
3. Rock and roll

Question 2

Describe teenagers as a part of 1950s popular culture.

Answer 2

1. Became a distinctive age group in the 1940s - post-war prosperity gave young adults more leisure time and spending money, forming their own styles and culture
2. James Dean in “Rebel Without A Cause” was very popular among teenagers
3. Companies began to target them in advertising campaigns
4. Teenage sexual revolution was not welcomed by parents - became wary of “juvenile delinquency” and rebelliousness.
5. Their alternative standards threatened the traditional structure of their society.

Question 3

Describe television as a part of 1950s popular culture.

Answer 3

1. Household TV ownership shot up - from 0.4% in 1948 to 83.2% in 1958
2. Popular tv shows and sports events created a shared national experience
3. Ppl spent 1/3 of their waking hours watching TV

Question 4

Describe rock and roll as a part of 1950s popular culture.

Answer 4

1. Influenced by African-American music + helped erode prejudice against them - created a common culture among white and black teenagers
2. Pitted parents and the media against teenagers - disliked the sexuality of lyrics and dances e.g. Elvis’ sexy persona and dances.