Television and Youth Culture Flashcards

By around 1960, how many US homes had a television?

About 9 in 10 homes had a TV set.

How did television change family life in the 1950s?

Families spent more evenings at home watching shows, and went to the cinema less.

Why did the word 'teenager' become common in 1950s America?

Many young people had more money and free time, so they formed a new group with its own tastes.

How did TV adverts aim at teenagers?

They promoted music, fashion, snacks and gadgets, creating demand and shared trends.

Which TV show helped spread dance crazes to teenagers across the USA?

American Bandstand, which showed teens dancing to new hits.

What was The Mickey Mouse Club and who was it for?

A TV programme from 1955 for children and teenagers, with songs and sketches.

How did Elvis Presley's TV appearances cause debate?

His dancing shocked many adults; on some shows he was filmed only from the waist up.

How did TV help create a national youth culture?

The same shows and adverts reached all regions, so teens shared music, slang and styles.

What is meant by the 'generation gap' in the 1950s?

The growing difference between teenagers' tastes and their parents' values, often shown by TV music and shows.

What picture of family life did many 1950s TV sitcoms present?

White, suburban, middle-class families with traditional roles for men and women.

Why did some adults call for controls on TV content for the young?

They feared TV violence and rock and roll would encourage bad behaviour and youth crime.

How did TV stars act as role models for teenagers?

Teens copied the clothes, hairstyles and speech they saw on screen.

You’ve used 6 of your 10 free revision notes for the month

Sign up to get unlimited access to revision notes, quizzes, audio lessons and more

Sign up