Reading 1: The Affluent Society

I. Introduction

  • The Affluent Society discusses the post–World War II social dynamics in America.
  • Harvard economist John Kenneth Galbraith published a significant critique titled "The Affluent Society" in 1958.
  • Galbraith's book examined the American consumer economy and political culture after WWII, criticizing its focus on production and consumerism.
  • He argued that the consumer-driven economy enriched private-sector interests but failed to address social inequalities.
  • Galbraith warned against an economy where "wants are increasingly created by the process by which they are satisfied," deeming it unsustainable and immoral.

II. The Rise of the Suburbs

  • The suburban movement began with New Deal programs during the Great Depression.
  • In 1932, significant foreclosures and mortgage defaults led to the creation of the Home Owners' Loan Corporation (HOLC).
    • HOLC refinanced mortgages, making home ownership attainable for many.
    • Introduced the amortized mortgage model over a span of 15 years.
    • By 1964, HOLC owned 1/5 of American mortgages.
  • The Federal Housing Administration (FHA) further increased home ownership through mortgage insurance, solidifying the trend toward suburban living.
    • Alongside HOLC, it aided financial stability for borrowers with low interest rates.
    • FHA loans inspired other mortgage lending practices even outside its purview.
  • The post-war economic boom surged due to government spending, particularly following WWII.
    • The G.I. Bill of 1944 provided veterans with loans for homes, education, and businesses.
    • Suburban populations grew significantly between 1950 and 1970, with a demographic shift toward the suburbs.
  • The construction boom fueled demand for consumer goods, as Americans sought modern conveniences with growing wages.
    • Telecommunications advancements led to widespread television ownership—12% in 1950 to over 87% by 1960.
    • Vehicle ownership also surged from 54% in 1948 to 74% in 1959.
    • Motor fuel consumption increased massively during this period.
  • Noteworthy was William Levitt's creation of Levittown, pioneering affordable suburban housing.
    • Levitt's construction strategies allowed for efficient and mass production of homes, changing the landscape of suburban America.
    • The suburbs saw a notable change from 19.5% population in 1940 to 30.7% by 1960, with home ownership rising from 44% to 62% at the same time.

III. Race and Education

  • School desegregation emerged as a crucial aspect of the civil rights movement.
  • The Little Rock Nine were the first African American students to integrate an all-white school in 1957, facing violent resistance.
    • Federal intervention was required to protect these students.
  • The Supreme Court’s landmark decision in Brown v. Board of Education (1954) unanimously declared that racial segregation in schools violated the Equal Protection Clause.
  • This decision was the culmination of longstanding efforts by the NAACP to demonstrate the failures of "separate but equal" educational policies.
  • Brown II (1955) issued vague directives for desegregation, allowing schools to delay implementation.
  • Despite the Supreme Court ruling, significant racial inequities in education remained, including segregated schools that were still predominantly nonwhite.
  • Discrimination persisted, with many minorities excluded from quality education and facilities.

IV. Civil Rights in an Affluent Society

  • Civil rights during the postwar period were deeply influenced by economic expectations.
  • Continuous struggle against racism led to efforts aimed at achieving equality across various domains, inspired by World War II ideals.
  • Significant moments occurred in the 1950s, including:
    • Sarah Keys's challenge against segregated public transport (1953).
    • The Montgomery Bus Boycott (1955-1956), driven by Rosa Parks’s arrest and organized by the Montgomery Improvement Association (MIA).
    • Emmett Till’s murder and its impact on activism, serving to galvanize public sentiment against racism.
  • Legislation such as the Civil Rights Act of 1957 indicated a shift in political momentum toward addressing racial discrimination, creating a Civil Rights Commission.
    • However, the act had limited effects and showcased the prevailing opposition to civil rights reforms.
  • Activists faced violence, intimidation, and destruction from opponents of civil rights, highlighting the continuous battles for safety and equality in America.

V. Gender and Culture in the Affluent Society

  • Cultural shifts paralleled the economic ones during the 1950s, especially concerning gender roles and family structures.
  • Television rose as a prevalent medium, solidifying norms around family life and traditional roles, represented in shows like "Leave It to Beaver."
    • By late 1950s, 90% of American households owned a television, influencing daily life and social interactions.
  • The rise of the baby boom (1946-1964) correlated with prosperity and changing family dynamics, but it imposed pressures on women to conform to domestic roles.
    • Books like Dr. Spock’s “Baby and Child Care” influenced childcare practices, framing motherhood as a career.
  • Meanwhile, the Beat Generation emerged, rejecting conventional lifestyles and advocating for exploration beyond materialism and social conformity.
  • Artists like Elvis Presley and rock'n'roll became symbols of youthful rebellion and new cultural expressions, impacting American identity significantly.

VI. Politics and Ideology in the Affluent Society

  • The political landscape altered as suburbia expanded, influencing Republican and Democratic party dynamics.
  • The National Association of Manufacturers (NAM) advocated for free enterprise as a reaction to the New Deal's economic policies.
  • Libertarian ideology gained traction through groups like the Mont Pelerin Society and the Foundation for Economic Education (FEE), promoting minimal government involvement in the economy.
  • Eisenhower's presidency sought a balanced approach, warning against extreme conservatism while endorsing social welfare programs such as social security.
  • The contrast between moderate and conservative factions within the Republican Party led to growing tensions and ideological divides, shaping future politics.
  • Eisenhower's foreign policy maintained a stance against communism while avoiding military intervention, though a more conservative shift was beginning to emerge within the party.

VII. Conclusion

  • The Affluent Society reflected both the promise and contradictions of postwar America: prosperity existed alongside heightened inequalities and social unrest.
  • Issues of race, gender, and economic disparities created an environment ripe for conflict and change, highlighting the need for civil rights advancements amidst affluence.

VIII. Primary Sources

  • Reference to the Bracero program, highlighting the labor migration patterns during World War II.
  • Examination of labor shortages and immigrant labor roles, particularly Mexican workers who supported the U.S. agricultural economy.