1. Mass Culture and Family Life
Chapter 19, Section 3

2. I. The Culture of Consumerism

3. A. Americans Spend More 1. Increased Family Income 2. Easy Credit

4. B. New Conveniences 1. Supermarkets 2. Home Appliances

5. II. Family Life in the Fifties

6. A. An Ideal Family 1. Nuclear Family 2. Women as homemakers

7. B. Revolved Around Children
1. Dr. Benjamin Spock encouraged nurturing children
2. Parents spend more money on kids

8. C. Religion
1. Church attendance rose
2. Dollar bill changed

9. D. Medical Advances
1. Antibiotics
2. Increased lifespan

10. III. Television Takes Center Stage
A. Programming reinforced ideal of the 1950’s family
B. Enforced Mass National Culture

11. IV. Rock-and-Roll Shakes the Nation
A. African-American Origins
B. Audience Widens
1. Elvis Presley kicked off the craze with “Heartbreak Hotel”
2. Symbol of American youth culture