This paper reviews an essay "What We Really Miss about the 1950s" by Stephanie Coontz, which analyzes the common myth that this decade was America's golden age of family life.
Written in 2005; 1,130 words; 1 sources; MLA; $ 39.95
Paper Summary:
This paper explains that, after the uncertain and unstable times periods of the Great Depression and World War II, the American people were ready to take advantage of the postwar economic boom of the 1950s and create a secure internally focused family. The author points out that the reason the 1950s are regarded as such a happy time is not the strictly defined gender roles, which limited people's options and decisions, but rather the generous veteran's benefits and welfare programs--the GI Bill, increased minimum wage and low cost housing developments although these reform programs were very selective, leaving minorities to fend for themselves. The paper relates that Coontz hopes that today's Americans will understand that what is really missed about the 1950s is the hope for a better tomorrow through a family-focused government, not the adherence to rigid family and gender roles.
From the Paper:
"Television of the 1950s plays a significant role in people's misunderstanding of family life in the decade. The shows give people the impression that life was always simple and happy back then. People seem to think that the way families acted on television is how they acted in real life, but these TV families merely showed someone's idea of how families were supposed to live. Shows such as "Leave It to Beaver" and "Father Knows Best" offer the illusion that parents should always have a simple solution to all of life's problems. On the other hand, shows like "I Love Lucy" were aimed at showing women the troubles caused by independent women. Instead of viewing them as a suggestion, most people who watch these shows today feel inadequate, like they will never be able to have a family as wholesome as the Cleavers."
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