TUPPERWARE: The Promise Of Plastic In 1950's America

by Alison J. Clarke

The Tupperware party and all its socio-economic consequences are explored in this unique study of the 1950s phenomenon, which represented the powerful influence of corporations on the American family.

Genres: History, Nonfiction, Microhistory

Hardcover

First published April 1, 1999

Reviews

[Rachel · Rating 2 out of 5]

Fascinating argument hidden by some of the most boring prose I’ve ever encountered.

[Gayle · Rating 2 out of 5]

Given that this has been in my “currently reading” for 14 years - it’s probably time to abandon it! I just found it on my shelves with about 30 pages left to go. Doesn’t seem like there is a lot of point to finish it at this point. Not sure why I bought this. I was interested more in the time of domesticity when Tupperware started - and the rise and rise of plastic than the actual story of Tupperware as such. I obviously lost interest as it went on as the writing was quite boring at times. I do remember quite enjoying aspects of it, but the business info not so much. I hate abandoning books, but I have no intention to start reading it again!

[Matthew Gilmore · Rating 2 out of 5]

Tupperwear as oppression, Tupperwear as liberation, Tupperwear as agency... the author swings wildly across this landscape. Horribly freighted prose dripping with academese--some I read out loud just for a laugh! A better book would have been a biography of Brownie Wise, heroine of this narrative.

[Angela]

This is a very detailed history of Tupperware, too much for me. I am intrigued by the rise of Brownie Wise, and how she made Tupperware what we know it as today.

[Rogue Reader · Rating 4 out of 5]

Marketing genius, consummate salesperson, cult

[Jeffrey Aubuchon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Quite an insightful account of the development of both this product and the wider industry.

[Jennifer hensel · Rating 3 out of 5]

-American culture and object relationship.
-women's role in a postwar society
-Tupperware defining a time, place, and people.
* Objects have the capabilities to translate time and symbolic meaning.

[Jackie ϟ Bookseller · Rating 3 out of 5]

Certainly an interesting read about the invention and consumer momentum of Tupperware, a company the last three generations of my family have used, but I feel like it could have been half the length and still said the same things.

[Lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

A rather technical history but learned a lot of interesting thing about American culture from the 1930's through 1970's.

[Clark · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lots of detail. A taste of what life was like in the 30's 40'sand 50's.