The Role Of Youth In Canada During The 1950's

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During the 1950’s, Canada experienced numerous scenarios which sparked its citizens to be proud. These events included the teenage outbreak, a rise in consumerism and the sudden growth in population. The teenagers were a huge deal in the development of Canada. Teenagers wanted to differentiate themselves from adults and the rest of society (Armstrong et al. 134). Teenagers dressed themselves different along with acting different as well. (Armstrong et al. 135). The new products were being created and sold through the process of consumerism. The new technologies helped shape the look of the new Canadian culture (Bain et al. 219).Lastly, the sudden growth in population was the “baby boom”. The baby boom was a period after WW2 in which babies …show more content…

The institutions, cultural forms, and economic powers were lifted as the term “teenager” itself was created to differentiate young men and women from adults (University of Toronto 145). The clothing trends, hairstyles, dances and even the language was different from that of adults (Armstrong et al, 134). Young men and women enjoyed dressing themselves with blue jeans, leather jackets,and pony tails for women, which stood as an identity for teenagers as it differentiated them from adults (Armstrong et al,135). This idea was amazing to acknowledge because a new type of people are emerging, and this added to Canadian multiculturalism and acceptance of the different types of people.The adults response to the wild nature of teenagers was that they were left shocked at first, yet later they acknowledged this act as just a phase during one’s life, they got used to this unique behaviour as time progressed (OC University 10). With the brutality of World War 2, the youth at the time were simply left neglected (OC University 10). Many believe that teens during the 1950’s were greatly influenced by being raised during a war generation (OC University 10). The youth distinguished themselves through shocking, yet enjoyable behaviour such as dance moves and their overall mindset on life. In addition, advertisers convinced teens to purchase certain products which …show more content…

This aspect was something which Canadians should still be proud of to this day due to the growing number of inventions. New technologies greatly shaped the look of Canadian culture (Bain et al, 219). Canada was beginning to be recognized around the world for their identity as a country with new products (Bain et al, 219). A few of the products included radios, record players, cars, and many other forms of technology (Bain et al, 219). Especially in the 1950’s, Canadians fell in love with cars, buying 3.5 million of them during that year (Bain et al. 217). By the end of the 1950’s, 66% of families owned a car, with 10% owning more than one (Armstrong et al,137). This led to families being expected to take a yearly vacation (Bain et al. 216). This meant that local businesses like hotels, and stores were also benefitting from this cause as more people were visiting their businesses. All these new items made Canadians happy and they also massively contributed to the economy. Many Canadians bought new homes as well which came along with flooring, appliances, furnitures and televisions (Armstrong et al. 136). It was evident that Canada was beginning to become a modern, urbanized country with the addition of housing. Televisions also played a big role in the development of Canadians. The first television set appeared in 1952, and by the end of the 1950’s, 90% of Canadians owned a TV (Armstrong et al. 137).

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