I am comparing the theme of the conformity for the book 1984 and the history during the 1950s. How did conformity come to be in the 1950s? I am not sure if it was because of the fear of communism which started it. Who came with the idea that women should be housewives? Are there any other ways in which the people of the 1950s conformed? Why do they feel that they need to conform? Any help is appreciated. Thanks.
Thank you for using the Jiskha Homework Help Forum. You might like to choose some sites from the SEARCH below:
(Broken Link Removed)
You should go to http://www.google.com and look up articles on the 1950s, this book, reviews of this book, women's liberation, and anything else you can think of to research this topic.
If you have trouble searching, be sure to make good use of the various links in this website -- http://hanlib.sou.edu/searchtools/ -- especially (scroll down) the one that teaches you HOW TO SEARCH.
In order to understand the roots of conformity in the 1950s, it is important to consider the historical context of the time period. During the 1950s, the United States was experiencing a post-World War II era known as the "Cold War." The Cold War was characterized by tension and ideological conflict between the United States and the Soviet Union.
One of the key factors that contributed to conformity in the 1950s was indeed the fear of communism. The United States was deeply concerned about the spread of communism, particularly in the aftermath of World War II and the rise of the Soviet Union as a global superpower. This fear led to a period of extreme anticommunist sentiment known as the "Red Scare," spearheaded by Senator Joseph McCarthy. Many Americans became scared of being associated with communism and sought to distance themselves from any behaviors or beliefs that could be seen as subversive.
With regard to the idea that women should be housewives, this ideal was largely reinforced during the 1950s. It can be traced back to the larger societal structure of gender roles and expectations that prevailed in the post-war period. The notion of women as housewives was heavily promoted by popular culture, media, and government campaigns. Advertisements, television shows, and films often depicted women as homemakers and emphasized the importance of maintaining a happy and harmonious home life.
Conformity in the 1950s extended beyond gender roles and anticommunist sentiment. It encompassed various aspects of life, including consumer culture, religious beliefs, and social norms. Societal pressure to conform was reinforced through a collective desire for stability and a sense of unity in the face of external threats. Many Americans believed that conforming to these expectations would protect them from potential social and political repercussions.
It is important to note that not everyone conformed during this period. There were individuals and groups who challenged the status quo and sought to break away from societal norms. However, the prevailing climate of fear and the desire for security and stability played a significant role in encouraging conformity among many people in the 1950s.
To delve deeper into the topic and gather more specific information, I recommend consulting historical sources such as books, articles, and scholarly journals that focus on the social, cultural, and political dynamics of the 1950s. Additionally, exploring primary sources such as newspapers, advertisements, and films from that era can give you valuable insights into the pervasive conformist attitudes of the time.