The Affluent Society Social. Flashcards
What was the Festival of Britain, and why was it significant?
Held on the South Bank, attended by millions, it symbolized Britain’s recovery from WWII and marked the start of a new social era.
How did Britain change after WWII in terms of welfare and society?
The welfare state was introduced, and the baby boom created a new generation growing up in a vastly different world from their parents (1946-64).
Why was post-war housing development necessary?
Britain had to replace war-damaged housing, clear pre-war slums, and build new towns like Harlow, Stevenage, and Crawley to accommodate shifting populations.
How did infrastructure improvements support economic growth?
Railways, airports, and public buildings were improved; housing stock expanded; food rationing ended in 1954, and home ownership increased due to cheap mortgages.
What economic changes improved living standards in the 1950s?
Wages rose (e.g., men’s weekly wages from £8.30 in 1951 to £15.35 in 1961), private savings increased, and state subsidies helped farmers.
What role did consumer goods play in post-war affluence?
People bought TVs, washing machines, and fridges on hire purchase, signaling increased disposable income.
How did car ownership affect British society in the 1950s?
It rose by 25% (1957-59), increasing holiday travel, requiring better roads, and shifting settlement patterns.
How did television change British leisure habits?
By 1957-59, TV ownership rose by 32%; by 1960, 50% of the population watched TV in the evenings, replacing radio.
What major TV event demonstrated its growing influence in Britain?
The 1953 Coronation of Queen Elizabeth II, watched by millions, boosted TV’s cultural importance.
What event marked Britain’s decline as a world power?
The 1956 Suez Crisis, which exposed Britain’s weakened international influence and led to political disillusionment.
How strong were class loyalties in Britain in the early 1950s?
Very strong—65% of the working class voted Labour, and 80% of the middle class voted Conservative.
What events led to shifting class attitudes in the late 1950s?
The Suez Crisis, the rise of the Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament (CND), political scandals like the Profumo Affair, and the ‘satire boom.’
What was ‘The Establishment’ in 1950s Britain?
An elite, privileged network (mainly white men) controlling politics and society, often seen as out of touch.
How did satire challenge authority in Britain?
Shows like Beyond the Fringe (1961), Private Eye (1961), and That Was the Week That Was (1962) mocked politicians and exposed government failures.
Who were the ‘Angry Young Men’ and what did they stand for?
A group of writers and playwrights critical of British society, including Kingsley Amis (Lucky Jim) and John Osborne (Look Back in Anger).
How did Look Back in Anger (1956) influence British culture?
It criticized post-war complacency and inspired other writers to challenge social norms.
What was the traditional role of women in 1950s Britain?
Women were expected to be housewives, with 75% married and only 20% working outside the home.
How did women’s employment change by 1964?
More unmarried women worked, but married women faced stigma. Equal pay was introduced for teachers (1952) and civil servants (1955).
How did household technology impact women’s lives?
Washing machines (ownership up 54% between 1957-59) and other appliances reduced time spent on domestic chores.
Who were the Windrush Generation?
Caribbean migrants invited to Britain post-war (from 1948) to help rebuild, many of whom had served in WWII.
What challenges did Commonwealth immigrants face?
Racism, difficulty finding housing and jobs, resentment over benefits, and communication barriers due to accents.
What was the impact of immigration by 1958?
About 210,000 Commonwealth immigrants had settled in Britain, 75% of them men, leading to racial tensions and events like the Notting Hill Riots (1958).
What migration trends were seen in Britain in the 1950s-60s?
More people left Britain (676,000 in the 1950s, 1.92 million in the 1960s) than arrived, often moving to Australia and North America.
How did the British government view immigration?
Generally seen as economically beneficial, with hopes that social tensions would ease over time.
Why did ‘teenagers’ become a distinct social group in the 1950s?
Economic prosperity allowed young people to spend money on fashion, music, and leisure, creating a new identity.
Who were the Teddy Boys, and why were they controversial?
A youth subculture known for American-influenced fashion; the press exaggerated fears about their supposed violence.
How did American culture influence British youth?
British teenagers embraced American fashion, music, and lifestyles, leading to trends like the Teddy Boy style.
