Compile a "scrapbook" of the 1950s, including images, articles, quotes, song lyrics, advertisements and your own notes and ideas.
If possible, chat to someone who remembers the fifties. Put together some specific questions to ask them, and keep notes to add to your scrapbook.
Research popular culture of the time - music, fashion, popular films, leisure activities, food - and think about what these aspects of culture reveal about the morals, values and attitudes of the time.
Research architecture, design and technology of the fifties. Find some images of homes (inside and out), cars and new buildings of the time. What sorts of ideas are reflected in these products? What do the developments in these areas tell us about society at the time? How did living arrangements differ to today?
Investigate opportunities for women in the 1950s. What careers were available to women? What restrictions were placed on women in the work force? How much social freedom did women enjoy? Were expectations of married women and unmarried women different?
Ideas to consider:
If possible, chat to someone who remembers the fifties. Put together some specific questions to ask them, and keep notes to add to your scrapbook.
Research popular culture of the time - music, fashion, popular films, leisure activities, food - and think about what these aspects of culture reveal about the morals, values and attitudes of the time.
Research architecture, design and technology of the fifties. Find some images of homes (inside and out), cars and new buildings of the time. What sorts of ideas are reflected in these products? What do the developments in these areas tell us about society at the time? How did living arrangements differ to today?
Investigate opportunities for women in the 1950s. What careers were available to women? What restrictions were placed on women in the work force? How much social freedom did women enjoy? Were expectations of married women and unmarried women different?
Ideas to consider:
- morals and values
- impact of recent events (WW2, migration, economic prosperity)
- gender expectations
- Australian identity