RELATIVE INCOME THEORY
Couples chose to have kids due to high income, which was due to the low demand for material objects and the ample amount of job opportunities allowing for a large relative income. AFFLUENCE The state of having a great deal of money; wealth. |
THE BABY BOOM ERA
The baby boom occurred in the late 1940's, up until the late 1950's/early 1960's. The baby boom occurred due to the income increase, and citizens could then afford to become parents, which is explained by the "Relative Income" theory. Children born during this time period were called "Baby Boomers" or "Boomer Children." The baby boom included the participation of all races, ethnic groups, and religions. The General Fertility Rate (GFR) increased tremendously, starting at a low 75.8 children for every 1,000 women in 1936, skyrocketing to an all new high of 122.7 children for every 1,000 women in 1957. Then again in 1976, the GFR dropped to the lowest ever recorded at the time, at 65 children for every 1,000 women. This funneled a decently large amount of money into the American economy, due to the materials needed for children that new parents were purchasing. Since there was a large fertility rate increase, there was a large increase in money that was being brought to our economy as well. This is what contributed to our affluence and prosperity during this time period. |
ConsumerismConsumerism is the idea that continuous consumption of material goods or services will create a strong economy. After World War II, American consumerism tremendously increased due to the mass production during World War II. This had drawn America out of the Great Depression by funneling income to our economy. The sales for TV's and vehicles increased tremendously during this time. People from all social classes were buying TV's at a rate of five-million televisions a year. Other items such as washing machines, refrigerators, toasters, and vacuum cleaners were also highly demanded and purchased, because they modernized people's lives and made things easier.
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LevittownLevittown is the name of 4 large suburban areas created by William Levitt and his company Levitt & Sons. It was built for returning war veterans and their families, after World War II. They were similar to apartments and small city living locations. All houses included a white picket fence, a green grass lawn, and modern kitchens and appliances. The initial sale of Levittowns began in March of 1947, and over 1,400 homes were purchased within the sales first three hours. The first Levittown was built in New York from 1947-1951. The second was built in Pennsylvania from 1952-1958. Another was built in Willingboro Township, New Jersey in 1958, and another was built in Puerto Rico in 1963.
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SuburbsLevittowns were the beginning of suburban growth. Many war veterans were returning home, causing a scarcity in housing systems. Suburbs are residential areas, or urbanized communities. These places typically reside outside of cities and are often referred to as "Neighborhoods" in today's era. Most suburbs are close to small businesses, making jobs much more accessible. Many homes in the suburbs include apartments, single homes, trailers, and town homes. Many people during the 1940's and 1950's lived in the suburbs, especially veterans and their families.
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