Changing Popular Culture

The Expansion of Popular Culture

Music

Elvis Presley promoting the movie Jailhouse Rock

Starting in the 1950s and continuing through the 1970s, three new genres of music developed: rock-and-roll, disco, and hip-hop. These new musical styles influenced American culture.

Rock-and-roll developed in the 1940s and 1950s. It combined African American inspired jazz, blues, and gospel, along with country music. At first, rock-and-roll started with piano or saxophone acting as the lead instrument, but then it evolved into one or two electric guitars, a stringed bass, and a drum kit. One of the more famous early rock-and-rollers was Elvis Presley.

Take a moment to listen to the sound of an electric guitar.

Disco is a style of music that incorporates funk, pop, salsa, and soul. It developed in the 1960s and into the 1970s as a reaction against rock music. Disco typically uses electronic synthesizers and a clear electric bass line. A famous disco song you may know is the Y.M.C.A. by the Village People.

Take a moment to listen to disco music.

Hip-hop uses rhythmic music and chanted rhyming speech. It may also include beat sampling of bass lines and rhythmic beat-boxing. Hip-hop was an African American inspired development occurring primarily in the inner cities during the 1970s. The first hip-hop record to go mainstream and gain widespread popularity was The Sugarhill Gang's song, "Rapper's Delight," in 1979.

Take a moment to listen to hip-hop music.

Television

The cast of the I Love Lucy show from an episode that aired in 1955.

The creation of television occurred during the 1920s. The new medium grew slowly through World War II, and after the war television sets rapidly became popular. The introduction of color TV in 1953 also helped with growth. Early television shows mimicked radio shows since people were familiar with them. Over time, television developed its own style and became the main medium through which millions of people got their news and entertainment. Because only a few channels existed for everyone to watch, television had a strong influence on American culture.

The expansion of popular culture, brought on by the proliferation of television and the new styles of music, created tension among people with different cultural views. For example, it was common for parents and their children to enjoy different styles of music. Television allowed people to see and experience new ideas in a way never before possible. These significant cultural changes were received positively by some, but not everyone.

The Changing Role of Women

Since the 1950s, the role of women in the United States has experienced many changes. Women have increased their presence in the workforce, needed to consider child care costs in their job decisions, and experienced unequal salaries in comparison to men. Even with such challenges, women have made progress through a greater presence in American society. In this interactivity, you will learn more about the changing role of women. Click the player button to begin.

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Changing Popular Culture Review

Now that you have learned about changes in popular culture, review your knowledge in this non-graded activity. Click the player button to get started.