Conformity in the 50’s

Chris and LeahDay 7 Group B

Thesis

• The 1950’s deserves its reputation as an age of political, social, and cultural conformity to a great extent by the increase in conservatives, the increase in luxuries owned by all Americans, and the cultural desire to achieve the American Dream.

Political Conformity

• “White Flight” to the suburbs and economic boom causes a shift towards conservative views. People longed for decisive leadership and economic conservatism, which they found in Eisenhower. The suppression of minorities, especially blacks, shows a great deal of political conformity by the majority.

• Social Conformity: The business world and increase in mass production contributed to social conformity. This standardized the items used in the homes, which led to the standardization of the typical American life. The desire and accessibility of luxuries increased dramatically. People began buying on consumer credit, the number of Americans that owned cars tripled, and by the end of the 50’s, 87% of Americans owned a TV.

Cultural Conformity • Cultural: The American Dream of a suburban

home with good schools, and friendly neighbors contributed greatly to social conformity. Women were once again homemakers. The “Baby boom” also shows significant cultural conformity. . The idea of the typical American is created during the 50’s. The Red Scare leads to conformity because people feared of accusations that claimed they were communist. To combat this, people tried to appear as “American” as possible. This influenced clothing, food, language, and belief system.