The Permissive Society: America, 1941–1965

by Alan Petigny

In contrast to those who see the 1950s as essentially a conservative period, and who view the 1960s as a time of rapid moral change, The Permissive Society points to the emergence of a liberalizing impulse during the Truman and Eisenhower years. The book shows how, during the 1950s, a traditionalist moral framework was beginning to give way to a less authoritarian approach to moral issues as demonstrated by a more relaxed style of child-rearing, the rising status of women both inside and outside the home, the increasing reluctance of Americans to regard alcoholism as a sin, loosening sexual attitudes, the increasing influence of modern psychology, and, correspondingly, the declining influence of religion in the personal lives of most Americans.

Genres: History, Cultural

304 pages, Hardcover

First published August 10, 2009

Reviews

[Cordellya Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a very interesting look at the many aspects of the 1950's that history records as "conservative" when they were actually moving toward permissive and making way for what was to come in the 1960's and beyond. For any lover of modern American history, this is a must read!