Chapter 3.7: Consumer Society

Question 1

How was the American culture spread to Canada and QC in the 50s?

Answer 1

Hollywood movies and tv, causing American way of life to become more desirable (material comfort and consumption)

Question 2

How did the American culture shape/influence Canada in the 50s-70s?

Answer 2

• Traditional cultures being abandoned for modernity

- Public follows trends, spends money unnecessarily without thinking of their own tastes and values

Question 3

How did the purchasing power of Canadians inc after WW2/Baby Boom? What consequence did it have?

Answer 3

Salaries rise faster than cost of living, more $$ left over, credit more widely available
QC debt grows from 37m$ in ‘60 to 1b$+ in ‘80

Question 4

What is consumerism?

Answer 4

Encouraging consumers to buy more by offering them a better way of life with a certain purchase (ie newest kitchen appliances)

Question 5

How do products diversify in the 50s?

Answer 5

• Exotic foods now able to be imported throughout the year (kiwis available year round instead of summer only)
• Dept store catalogue shopping