Social Culture

The 1920s was a time of immense social change for Americans. After the end of World War I, culture in America broke away from traditional principles and began to live a more liberated lifestyle. After returning home from the war, both men and women found it increasingly difficult to return to the standard, normal life. Most men and women wanted to experience a new way of life, with new options and expectations.  During this time period, the conventional American family went through immense change. “Revolutionary changes in family behavior led to the rise of a new ideal of family life called the "companionate family."(1) This new ideal family focused on open and relaxed relationships between parents and children, as well as alternative ways of child upbringing. Women also began to take on a new role in the 1920s. This new women was known as the flapper. “The term "flapper" first appeared in Great Britain after World War I. It was there used to describe young girls, still somewhat awkward in movement who had not yet entered womanhood”. (2) Flappers were known to be progressively more independent and sexual in everyday society. Unlike previous generations of women, the flappers wore their hair short and their dresses shorter. They also opening drank alcohol and smoked with men. These women were revolutionary in the way that they changed society’s views and expectations for women.