the culture of consumption during the Eisenhower administration. How do you think such large-scale, new-found getting and spending influenced people’s feelings about America?
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Okay this is what I have on this question. Am I on target or do I need to do more research???
To put in context,you should remember that we had just finished WWII and Korea.As a nation,we were at a pinnacle of production and fiscal fluidity;we were the only industrialized nation not rebuilding from WWII.At that point of our history,we were the world export leader,in both manufactured goods as well as oil and raw materials.Having the export deficit created a net surplus of cash for us.Wages were up,the middle class was expanding and our discretionary spending was at an all time high.The 60's began a period of off-shore competition that has continued through today.As we became a net importing country,we have seen an erosion of the middle class,a decrease of wages and a rapid shrinking of the financial fluidity we once had.We still have a "culture of consumption" but it is largely financed with personal debt.
To understand the culture of consumption during the Eisenhower administration and its influence on people's feelings about America, we can analyze historical records and gather insights from various sources. Here's how you can research this topic:
1. Start with the Eisenhower administration: Familiarize yourself with President Dwight D. Eisenhower's policies, economic goals, and the overall social climate during his presidency (1953-1961). This will provide a context for understanding the culture of consumption at that time.
2. Study economic prosperity: Eisenhower's presidency coincided with a period of economic growth, known as the "Eisenhower Era" or the "Happy Days." Research the economic indicators of the time, such as rising GDP, low unemployment rates, and increased disposable income. Explore how these factors contributed to higher purchasing power and a culture of consumerism.
3. Look into the Baby Boom generation: The post-World War II period saw a significant increase in birth rates, leading to the Baby Boom generation. This demographic shift meant a large portion of the population consisted of young families with higher household incomes. Investigate how the changing demographics influenced consumer behavior and spending patterns.
4. Analyze advertising and media: The rise of television as a popular medium during this period played a crucial role in shaping consumer culture. Study the impact of advertising, popular TV shows, and other media in promoting consumer goods and creating desires for material possessions. Analyze how these messages affected people's perceptions and feelings about prosperity and the American way of life.
5. Explore social and cultural factors: Investigate the cultural norms, aspirations, and values prevalent during the Eisenhower era. Examine the rising middle-class aspirations, suburbanization, and new lifestyle trends like owning a car, home appliances, or going on vacations. Consider how these materialistic aspirations, fueled by advertising and media, influenced people's perception of success and happiness in America.
6. Primary sources and personal narratives: To gain a deeper understanding, seek out primary sources like articles, advertisements, and personal narratives from the time. These can include memoirs, letters, diaries, and testimonials from individuals who lived during the Eisenhower era. They can provide unique insights into how people personally experienced and perceived the culture of consumption.
By combining information from these different sources, you can develop an informed understanding of how the large-scale, new-found getting and spending during the Eisenhower administration influenced people's feelings about America.