1950s Childhood: Growing up in post-war Britain

by Janet Shepherd, John Shepherd

Overview

Children of the 1950s have much to look back on with fondness: Muffin the Mule, Andy Pandy, and Dennis the Menace became part of the family for many, while for others the freedom of the riverbank or railway platform was a haven away from the watchful eyes of parents. The postwar welfare state offered free orange juice, milk and healthcare, and there was lots to do, whether football in the street, a double bill at the cinema, a game of Ludo or a spot of roller-skating. But there were also hardships: wartime rationing persisted into the '50s, a trip to the dentist was a painful ordeal, and at school discipline was harsh and the Eleven-Plus exam was a formidable milestone. Janet Shepherd and John Shepherd examine what it was like to grow up part of the Baby Boomer generation, showing what life was like at home and at school and introducing a new phenomenon – the teenager.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780747814542
Publisher:	Bloomsbury Publishing
Publication date:	02/10/2014
Series:	Shire Library , #737
Sold by:	Barnes & Noble
Format:	eBook
Pages:	56
File size:	14 MB
Note:	This product may take a few minutes to download.

About the Author

Dr Janet Shepherd gained her doctorate in Poor Law education. She teaches, and also specialises in children's literature. Professor John Shepherd is co-director of the Labour Research Unit, Anglia Ruskin University, Cambridge, and author of a biography of George Lansbury.

Table of Contents

Introduction: From Austerity to Affluence / Family Life / Schooldays / Health / Shopping / Recreation and Entertainment / Further Reading / Places to Visit / Index