group2mid20thFamilyRoles

=Family Life=

Overview
Americas in this era lived with many convenient devices for a variety of proposes, lightening the physical load of each person. Besides aiding in work, technology also brought a new form of leisure activity and means of media in the television. Houses were hooked up with plumbing for running water in the houses, a gas furnace for heating in the winter, and electricity for lighting and countless household appliances. Faster transportation allowed for the growth of suburbs—smaller cities built around a large main city. The activism for social and political reform reshaped the basic functions of the family. Women began to seek jobs outside of the house. The importance of family began to dip; extended family members rarely moved into their relative's households. Families became smaller—usually now only a mother, a father and two children.

Critical Issue
The television was one invention that gained wide popularity during the mid 20th century. Other means of media in the time included newspapers and radios. In this time, houses were made larger in size. It also was not uncommon the people of an entire region of a town to live in identical looking houses. Most goods a household owned were bought, not made. It was normal for one to have imported goods throughout their home. As for work, cars allowed for parents to commute to work, that is, drive to another city for one's job. Searching job openings printed in the newspaper was the most common way to find new employment. Children, on the other hand, went through primary and secondary education (either through private or public schools). With enrollment into college increasing by over 400% from 1955-1975, each person had a greater chance of studying beyond secondary education.

Conclusion/ Historical Significance
With work accomplished faster with the help of machines, people gained more free time. They could devote this time to hobbies, participation in organization, or with their family and friends. Television revolutionized the way Americans experienced world affairs. The Vietnam War was dubbed "the living room war" because Americans at home for the first time were able to see videos of the war right from their living rooms. The more intimate portrayal of the hardships and loses in the war only fueled the growing discontentment with the military action. The culture's fascination with space during this time motivated people to study and assist efforts towards space travel. The space race thus ended in victory for the United States, landing the first man on the moon.