Primary Source Assignment: Conformity and Affluence in the 1950s
Questions
1. Who was moving to the suburbs in the post-war period, and why? Who was not included
in suburban growth, and why?
In the post-war period, primarily white middle-class families moved to the suburbs. This
migration was driven by the desire for affordable housing, improved living conditions, and the
pursuit of the American Dream. The GI Bill also facilitated home ownership for veterans,
contributing to suburban growth. However, racial minorities, particularly African Americans,
were largely excluded from this suburbanization due to discriminatory practices like redlining
and restrictive covenants that prevented them from purchasing homes in these areas.
2. What is the historical context for the growth of the suburbs?
The 1950s and 1960s were marked by significant economic prosperity in the United States,
following World War II. The economy was booming, leading to increased consumerism and a
desire for home ownership. Globally, the Cold War context heightened the emphasis on
American ideals of freedom and prosperity, which were often symbolized by suburban living.
Urban centers faced challenges such as crime and overcrowding, further incentivizing families to
seek the perceived safety and tranquility of suburban life.
3. What role did the automobile play in the rise of the suburbs?
The automobile was central to the suburban expansion, as it provided the necessary mobility for
families living outside urban centers. The rise of car culture reshaped cities, leading to the
development of highways and road systems that connected suburbs to urban areas. This
facilitated daily commutes and made suburban living feasible, as families could easily travel to
work, schools, and shopping centers.
4. Do you agree that the suburbs were “the spiritual home of overconsumption”?
Yes, I agree with this statement. The suburbs became synonymous with consumer culture, as
families sought larger homes filled with modern appliances and consumer goods. This focus on
material success and accumulation of possessions reflected the broader societal values of the
time, where affluence was often equated with personal worth and success.
5. Do you agree that the growth of the suburbs encouraged conformity?
Yes, the growth of the suburbs did encourage conformity and cultural homogenization. Suburban
life often emphasized traditional family structures, consumer habits, and a uniform lifestyle that
marginalized diversity. The pressure to conform to social norms and expectations led to a culture
where deviation from the norm was often discouraged, resulting in a more uniform American
identity.
6. What were the opportunities and challenges that suburban growth offered postwar
Americans?
Suburbanization provided opportunities for home ownership, improved living standards, and
access to better schools and communities. However, it also presented challenges, including social
isolation, reliance on automobiles, and the marginalization of urban areas. Examining
suburbanization reveals insights into American society, highlighting the tension between the
pursuit of the American Dream and the realities of inequality and exclusion.
