Suburban Life In The United States: 1950s Culture

The 1950s in the United States was often seen as a time of prosperity and optimism. The end of World War II brought many servicemen home to pick up their lives again, marry their sweethearts they have left behind and to start new families. Industry and population in America boomed and Americans were able to buy goods that were not available during wartime while starting their families. Jobs became plentiful as those needs increased. It was also during this decade that many families moved out of the cities moved into certain neighborhoods called suburbs. Houses in the suburbs of identical and formed a long rows. Suburban neighborhoods were part of the American dream thanks to the federal assistance G.I. Bill which were loans to veterans for education as well as housing. The average American home in 1950 suburbia had a cost of $7990 for $60 a month with no down payment. They were one story and consisted of a 12 x 19 foot living room, a kitchen, a tiled bathroom and two bedrooms. They also Included a small backyard, a front lawn and a garage. One third of the US population lived in the suburbs by 1960.

Popular television shows in the 1950s that  depicted a family living in the suburbs were Leave It To Beaver, 1957 – 1963, The Donna Reed Show, 1958 – 1966, Father Knows Best, 1954 – 1958 and The Ozzie and Harriet show, 1952 – 1966.