Social Trends- large scale changes in our society such as an increase in immigration, decrease in fertility rates, or growth in size of elderly population Demographers- social scientists who examine social trends by studying human populations Provide population data and statistics Anthropologists study the how social trends affect cultures Sociologists explore the impact on families and social institutions Psychologists study how social trends impact individuals
Demographic GroupBorn (approx)Characteristics Baby Boom Generation X Generation Y Millenials (Generation Z)
Baby boom generally known to refer to the demographic group born between Why did it occur? Soldiers returned home after World War II Wanted to resume lives quickly Came home with war brides Government policy for soldiers Laws allowed vets return to jobs Low cost mortgages Loans to upgrade education Social norms (post war period) Marriage acceptable Domestically oriented era Respectability achieved through marriage and family Sex outside marriage condemned
Rapid growth of baby created massive social change Suburban culture Large demand for housing for new families Construction boom suburbia Cars and road construction increased Fast food Shopping plazas Drive ins Institution Growth Education Reform Need for schools (high enrollment) Progressive education
Created a Counterculture when young people express values and behaviours that conflict with societal norms era between 1964 to 1972 era developed into socially conscious and rebellious group Characterized by protest music (Vietnam), anti war demonstrations, and peace symbols
Music focused on 1) protest and rebellion against authority 2) freer attitudes towards sex and drugs Popular musicians were The Who, Grateful Dead, Neil Young and Jimi Hendrix
Sexual promiscuity increased Illegal drug use increased Political activism increased in addition to anti war protest, environmental issues and rights of women and aboriginal people