Was the economic boom in the 1950's the reason for the rise of the Permissive Society?

by

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

I would take this opportunity to thank my research supervisor, family and friends for their support and guidance without which this research would not have been possible.

DECLARATION

I, [type your full first names and surname here], declare that the contents of this dissertation/thesis represent my own unaided work, and that the dissertation/thesis has not previously been submitted for academic examination towards any qualification. Furthermore, it represents my own opinions and not necessarily those of the University.

Signed __________________ Date _________________

ABSTRACT

This research provides the background of pre-war circumstance and trends that were being followed in Britain. Then it moves on to describe the trends that were being followed in post-war era. The research further explores the economic situation and the problem face by immediate post-war era. Moreover, the aim of the research is do analyse whether the economic boom of 1950's led the Britons towards a permissive society. This aim is achieved by understanding and identifying different post-war situations. The research describes the impact of economic boom on the society and how it led towards the transformation of Victorian society into a permissive one. The research also analyses the change in behaviour and perception of people and the emergence of affluent society after the Second World War.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTII

DECLARATIONIII

ABSTRACTIV

CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION1

Research Background1

Research Aim and Objectives1

Research Questions2

CHAPTER 2: LITERATURE REVIEW3

Pre-War Situation3

Pre-War Trends4

Post-War Trends7

Prospect11

Modernity - Methodism and Socialist society14

Post War Modernity23

Immediate Post-War Problems24

The Post-War Inflationary Problem26

The Industrial Revolution27

CHAPTER 4: DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS31

Impact of Economic Boom of 1950's31

Breaking of Marriage Bar for Women33

Affluent and Permissive Society36

Affluent Workers38

End of Victorian Era39

Young Men and Women- Emerging as a Social Group40

CHAPTER 5: CONCLUSION41

Whether Economic Boom of 1950 was the Cause of the Permissive Society or not?41

REFERENCES43

CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION

Research Background

During 18th century, Britain was the first to industrialize in the world. It further acquired a dominant and prominent role in 19th century in the global economy. Since the 19th century, the second Industrial Revolution has emerged as one of the most challenging issues which could was threatening the role of British as the global economic leader. In spite of having a victory, the costs of both the Wars weakened the comparative economic position of Britain in the world.

The year1950's turned out to be quite watershed time for British society. The post war era highly influenced the British society, bringing the changes into the Victorian era to white collar working class, difference in attitude of youth, the generation gaps, etc (Pressley, 2003, 111). Rationing was seeing its decline and things or commodities that were not easily seen everywhere, were now readily available everywhere. Britain was experiencing a time of increased freedom and highly affluent society; a number of cultural and social structures were beginning to being challenged, specifically by the youngsters.

Research Aim and Objectives

The main aim of this research is to identify whether “economic boom of 1950 was the cause of the permissive society or not?” This aim will be achieved under the following objectives:

To identify the ...