Pop Culture in America
Pop culture, music, TV shows, movie, etc. has followed a trend of mimicking society and way of life in America. They mimic gender stereotypes, styles, living arrangements, age gaps, roles in a family, and so much more. The show, Leave it to Beaver, was first shown on October 4, 1957 (my birthday!) and its final episode was aired on June 20, 1963. The show, a comedy for all ages, featured an all-American family, the Cleaver's. The show focuses around the youngest son's, Theodore "Beaver", adventures. The show was a paragon for the typical family in the 1950s. From the stereotypes portrayed about men, woman, and teenagers to the house they lived in, everything was a prime example of life in the 1950s and early 1960s.
Life in the 1950s
The 1950s was an interesting time in the history of America. It was just after World War II and right before the Cold War. The threat of nuclear war was at an all-time high. This time period was also known as the generation of "Baby-Boomers", in which the population of America grew exponentially. This vast growth in population led to many new houses being built and the creation of many suburbs. They enjoyed the safety and space for their children. Women began to start making their way into the work force, but the typical American family still had a breadwinner father and homemaker mother. The ratio of men to women in the workforce in the 1950s was five to two. Men wore flannel grey suits to work, while women mostly wore pinched skirts and high heels. Short curly hair, like a poodle, was also very common for women. The 1950s was a very interesting and unique time period in America.
Leave it to Beaver - Life in the 1950s
Based on the information gathered about life in the 1950s, it is overly evident that the show Leave it to Beaver exemplified all aspects of society from the period in which it was aired, from the fashion to the house to the gender stereotypes. Explore the rest of the website to find out more!