Affluence Flashcards
By how much did car ownership rise between 1957 and 1959, and what impact did this have?
Car ownership rose by 25%, leading to increased demand for roads and development of motorways (e.g. M1 in 1958). It also encouraged suburban housing and commuting.
What was the significance of new modern housing in the 1950s?
Slums were cleared and new towns like Harlow and Stevenage expanded. Car ownership allowed people to live further from work, changing traditional communities.
What was the ‘property-owning democracy’?
It referred to increased home ownership due to cheap mortgages, though most people still lived in council housing in the 1950s.
What role did television play in 1950s Britain?
TV became more popular, especially after the 1953 coronation. ITV launched in 1955, offering commercial TV. By 1960, 10 million TVs were in use.
How did television broadcasting change during the 1950s?
Initially limited to short afternoon and evening slots, broadcasting expanded after ITV’s launch, making TV central to news and entertainment.
How did wages change between 1951 and 1961?
Men’s weekly wages increased from £8.30 to £15.35 during the ‘Post-War Boom’ and ‘Golden Age of Employment’.
What was the impact of consumerism in the 1950s?
More people bought modern goods like TVs and fridges using hire-purchase. The advertising industry also grew, especially after ITV’s launch.
How did leisure activities change in the 1950s?
Holidays became more accessible, especially with Butlins camps.
60,000 people visiting each week.
Foreign holidays were rare, enjoyed mainly by the upper and middle classes.
2% of the population
