Period: Blk.1
Canada in the 1950s
Read Counterpoints p. 168 -189
The Changing Face of Canada (p. 170-178)
1. Explain the “baby boom” of the post-war years. What effect do you think this would have on Canadian society? -The increase in the birth rate that took place in Canada was known as the “baby boom”. -The demand for baby products and services and grown and many woman had to leave their jobs to support their many children at home.
2. How did the automobile culture change neighbourhoods? -For people living in the suburbs, a car was a great convenience. -Although suburban houses were often plain and functional, cars grew steadily fancier with lots of chrome, fins, and fancy tail lights. -The automobile represented all the elements of the post-war era. -Few had thought of the downside costs. Enormous V8 engines needed lots of fuel, which increased society's dependence on oil. -Atmospheric pollution, in the form of smoke, also became a problem.
3. Describe the roles of women and men in the 1950s. Discuss reasons why you think many accepted these roles. -Women were expected to stay home and help out with the children. -The father's role was to support the family on his earnings. -Popular woman magazines denounced working mothers as the cause of delinquent children. -Women were also encouraged to beautify themselves and their homes by consuming new products. Many women had came to resent suburban life. -Many women had accepted the role of staying home because they knew if they left their children to go work, they wouldn't be raised properly.
4. How would being a teenager in the 1950s be similar and different from being a teenager today? -Some similarities would be the importance of schooling now and then, no wars or