By 1960, 62 percent of Americans owned their own homes, compared to only 43 percent in 1940. At the same time, an increase in mass production brought television sets, cars, and a variety of household gadgets onto the market at affordable prices. Life, it seemed, was better than ever. Yet this unprecedented growth in consumerism also produced some unexpected effects. One noticeable result was an increase in standardization and a corresponding reduction in individual differences. The prefabricated houses, for example, were economical, roomy, and clean-but built according to standard, predetermined sizes, shapes, and colors, which allowed little room for architectural creativity.
The educational system as well as the work force contributed to the conformist mentality of the era. As the gross national product increased, money was poured into the educational system; between 1945 and 1950 expenditures for public schools doubled. Attendance at colleges and universities also increased as the 1944 GI Bill helped pay for the education of over 8 million military personnel. Higher education became a way to acquire the specialized skills necessary to enter the work force. Schools encouraged students to pursue training that would guarantee them jobs with large corporationsjobs that in turn promised stability, money, and subsequent happiness.
This is a free page. This page contains 197 words. This
article contains 3,998 words (approx. 13 pages at 300
words per page).
Read the rest of this Article with our The catcher in the Rye Access Pass.
