Social developments

Question 1

How was Britain still shaped by its experience of the war in the early 1950s?

Answer 1

Rejection of traditional values and authority

Question 2

What characterised the housing situation in Britain during this period?

Answer 2

Construction of new council houses and towns like Milton Keynes

Question 3

What consumer goods saw a surge in popularity due to the availability of credit?

Answer 3

Furniture, TVs, washing machines, cars

Question 4

What contributed to the decline of deference and respect for authority?

Answer 4

The Suez Crisis and Profumo Affair

Question 5

Which forms of media challenged traditional norms and authority? (examples)

Answer 5

Satirical publications and TV programs
eg. Private Eye and ‘kitchen sink dramas’ like Look back in anger

Question 6

What social movement gained momentum in the 1960s?

Answer 6

Second wave feminism

Question 7

Where did the majority of immigrants to Britain come from during this period?

Answer 7

Commonwealth countries

Question 8

What were some of the social tensions associated with immigration?

Answer 8

Riots and racial violence
- eg. Notting Hill

Competition for jobs and resources
- they largely filled low paid positions

Cultural misunderstandings and prejudice

Question 9

What characterised the emerging youth culture of the 1950s?

Answer 9

Subcultures centred around clothes and music
eg. Mods and Rockers, Teddy Boys

Question 10

What themes became more prominent in popular culture during this time and who opposed these themes?

Answer 10

Sex and violence, Barbara Castle