The Affluent Society Flashcards
Why did middle-class families move out of the city centres into the newly built suburbs?
To raise their children safely away from the city. Ownership of the latest consumer product became a status symbol
What provided the focus for community life in the suburbs?
Churches. In 1960 church attendance was 15% higher than in 1940
What did many women find a disadvantage of being in the suburbs?
Many women felt isolated and bored
Give two reasons why the 1950s America is called the affluent society.
there were a lot more jobs available with higher wages
Many people enjoyed a higher standard of living than ever before with the houses in the suburbs and lots of luxury consumer goods (washing machines, cars, TVs et cetera)
Give a reason why 1950s America was not really an affluent society
22% of the population still lived in poverty, particularly black Americans, old people and southerners
Why was there a religious revival in the 1950s
The government encouraged religion as a defence against communism
People who had moved to the suburbs went to church to meet friends
What were the suburbs
Self contained areas with their own shopping and leisure facilities
