The Fabulous Fifties Postwar Period
The Mixed Emotions of the 50’s Postwar period was a period of optimism
and uncertainty Realities of Cold War made many
Canadian’s fear another war But, economic prosperity made
Canadian’s more confident about their future
Veterans Return Home Postwar period saw the return of normal
family life for Canadians Veterans came back to their families Some created new families Some brought home war brides and their
children who were born during the war
War Bride: a term used to describe marriages between soldiers and foreigners during the war
The Baby Boom Most Canadian’s were now starting or
adding to their families The birth rate during the postwar
period went up dramatically Known as the “baby boom” Children born during this time have
become a socially influential group
The Baby Boom: A 20 Year Period
From postwar (1950) to the mid 1960’s Canada saw a rise in the number of babies being born. Birth’s during this period more than doubled from the war period.
The Result? A young-centered society Production of material
goods & toys increased rapidly (big demand!)
Schools were built to accommodate new students
Job creation (teachers needed!)
The age of Consumerism
Social and Economic Change As baby boomers grew up, demands in different
areas changed For example: Once this generation was University
bound, Universities prepared for higher enrolment
For example: The housing market became more competitive and houses became more expensive as demand increased– construction and jobs boomed
For example: Once this generation became retirement age, focus was on development of pension plans and health care for seniors!
Consumer Society Transformation from production of military
equipment to consumer goods People lined up to buy new products
Nylon stockings, wash and wear clothing, disposable tissues, hair spray, cake mix, lawnmowers, vacuum cleaners, sewing machines
Demand for these products made manufacturers hire new employees!
Canadians found steady jobs = confidence in spending
Television Comes to Canada
TV comes to Canada in 50’s
Baby boomers glued to TV & commercial messages
Powerful cultural driving force
Many Canadians received American broadcasting (I Love Lucy, Howdy Doody)
Television Takes Over! Canadians were
captivated by the TV
Creation of TV trays & TV dinners allowed for uninterrupted TV watching!
No one wanted to miss a show!
TV and Gender Roles The shows that were airing during this
time had very distinct representations of gender roles
As we watch the following clips of shows from the 50’s, 60’s and modern day television, fill in your charts with your observations!
1950’s Television: I love lucy & leave it to beaver
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p4kIwWHP8Vchttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uzjOYY0g4wQ
1960’s Television: My 3 sons
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Akh61LRAZ_4
Today’s television: modern family
http://www.free-tv-video-online.me/player/vodlocker.php?id=ajvgtuk7oxki
Gender role ObservationsWhat changes do you notice from the 1950’s to modern day?
The Feminine Mystique Women’s role is solely about
Maintaining a home Pleasing their husbands Raising their children
By the early 1960’s women realized they were not happy with this limited role
Sparked a wave in feminism Demanded more equality In the workforce, women questioned why they were
paid less than men & why they weren’t considered for promotions
Brought attention to the gender bias during that time
The Teenager Times were changing People no longer rushed into work and
marriage Kids were taking their time to go to
University “Teenagers” became a distinct group in
the 1950’s Ages 13-19 Had both leisure time and spending money
The Teenage Culture Strict rules were imposed on this group
Wearing blue jeans to school = suspension This group of teens began rebelling against this
formal society Developed a culture with its own language,
music and fashions
What does this remind you of??
Rock n’ Roll Was an important element to the emergence of
this new teenage culture This music was an instant hit with the teenagers,
however, parents did not like it Felt it was too energetic and rebellious Criticized for promoting immorality and
delinquency Describe as: crude, revolting and vulgar Said to have a corrupting influence on youth
The more parents protested, the more teenagers bought and listened to it!!
1950’s Slang: Guess the Meaning Ankle Biter Big Tickle Bread Circled Cranked Cut the Gas Dolly
1950’s Slang: Answers Ankle Biter – small child Big Tickle – really funny Bread – money Circled – married Cranked – excited Cut the gas – be quiet! Dolly – cute girl
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