The 1950s: The "Golden Age"
The 1950s were referred to as the "golden age" because they saw the completion of numerous important tasks. The family, which even the government held in great regard, was the primary social institution for socialization. Children's behaviors were shaped at the family level, and acculturation did represent societal ideals and norms, ensuring conformity. Because women handled domestic tasks like cooking, cleaning, and infant care, the gender roles were obvious. (Podolyak 56). On the other hand, men served as the families' protectors and suppliers of necessities. The media of the time, however, portrayed women as nothing more than child-bearing objects unable to spread their wings and seize new chances. The men viewed women as sex objects thus lowering their status and making men more superior than women.
Military Spending and Economic Growth
Regarding military spending, a significant expenditure was used to train military veterans. During the third world war, US spend significantly in the military with purchase of weapons and mercenaries. By then the new economy had set in, and there was massive economic growth. It also ushered in a period of political image-making where politicians used television media to defend their characters of funds misuse among others. The most popular president of the US during the time was Eisenhower who is known to be down to earth.
Teenagers and Societal Condemnation
Teenagers of the time had been marginalized but had the urge for recognition. In the surge of embracing the new culture of music, wild parties, and fast cars, they faced condemnation from the society and their parents (Sagolla 45). Their teenage life was characterized by rules. Rules were about clothing, church, lifestyle, etc. It is unlike today's modernity where most teenagers have their own choices and freedom (Wilson, John & Meenakshi 21). After the world war, the US consolidated its resources to emerging the world's most vibrant. Its GDP grew with more than $100 million with growth in the automobiles, expansion of major corporations (CAMPBELL 17). However, farmers faced hard times as the country commercialized agriculture making farmers to leave. Infrastructure also expanded giving rise to new towns and big cities (Pupo & Mark 22).
Conclusion
In conclusion, we can see that the golden age had both its pros and cons. To the youths, they did not have much freedom, and to women, the societal stereotypes dominated them. The government also had its good and bad part.
Work Cited
CAMPBELL, DOUGLAS E. Continuity of Government: How the U.s. Government Functions After All Hell Breaks Loose. S.l.: LULU COM, 2016. Print.
Podolyak, Noemi. Displaying Men and Women: The Playboy Magazine and the Gender Roles of the American 1950s. Saarbrücken: VDM Verlag, 2011. Print.
Pupo, Norene, and Mark P. Thomas. Interrogating the New Economy: Restructuring Work in the 21st Century. Toronto: University of Toronto Press, 2010. Print.
Sagolla, Lisa J. Rock 'n' Roll Dances of the 1950s. Santa Barbara, Calif: Greenwood, 2011. Print.
Wilson, James Q, John J. DiIulio, and Meenakshi Bose. American Government: Institutions & Policies. , 2013. Print.
