Social Changes - Increasing Affluence in Britain Flashcards
What were the aspects of a middle class lifestyle In the 1950’s?
- Annual Holidays
- Televisions
- Washing Machines and Fridges
How much did car ownership go up from 1951 to 1955?
2.5 million in 1951
3.3 million cars in 1955
How much were men’s weekly wages in 1951 and 1961?
£8.30 in 1951
£15.35 in 1961
How much did TV ownership go up in the 13 years? What massively helped it?
340,000 TV’S in 1951
13 million TV’s in 1964
Queens 1953 Coronation helped
Which classes did not experience as much affluence?
Working class citizens
Give 2 pieces of evidence showing how working class families did not experience affluence
80% did not have a car by 1960
90% did not have a refrigerator
Which part of Britain experience the most affluence? Which part, the least?
South experienced most affluence
North experienced least affluence
What aspect of society heavily helped young children to move up a class?
Grammar Schools
What was a limitation of grammar schools for working class students who got in to them?
1/3 of working class grammar school children did not stay on until 6th form
What did consumers buy expensive goods on?
Credit
How significant was credit?
It allowed car ownership to almost quadruple in 15 years
What was a negative impact of the move to a consumerist society?
More imports due to the massive consumer boom resulting in a balance of payments deficit
How much was the 1960 balance of Payments deficit?
£270 million
What phrase did Macmillan give to this era saying how it was?
He said people had ‘never had it so good’ before
How many homes had the Conservatives built from 1951-64?
1.7 million houses
