7 Ways The 70s Influenced Our Society And Culture (2024)

7 Ways The 70s Influenced Our Society And Culture (1)

The 1970s were a time of great change.

This decade saw the rise of new technologies, the fall of old empires, and a transformation in the way people thought about the world. It's no wonder that this era has had such a profound impact on our society and culture. In this article, we will explore seven ways in which the 70s have shaped the world we live in today.

7 Ways The 70s Influenced Our Society And Culture (2)

1) Fashion

In the 1970s, fashion was all about being comfortable and liberated. Women wore clothes that showed their bodies, embraced their curves, and allowed them to move around freely. The popular styles included bell bottoms, peasant blouses, and platform shoes. Men also adopted a more relaxed style, wearing clothes such as corduroy trousers and collared shirts.

The 70s fashion also saw the rise of punk, which was characterized by extreme hairstyles, bright colors, and eclectic accessories. Punk fashion was often considered rebellious and unprofessional, but it eventually became mainstream and even influenced high-end fashion designers. In addition to punk, the 70s also saw the rise of disco, which was characterized by flashy clothes and glitter.

2) Music

The 1970s were a time of great musical innovation, with new genres such as funk, disco, and punk emerging in the decade. Some of the most famous musicians of the 70s include David Bowie, ABBA, The Bee Gees, and The Rolling Stones.

The 1970s also saw the rise of music videos, which became an important marketing tool for musicians. Many classic songs from the 70s were made into music videos, including “I Will Survive” by Gloria Gaynor and “ Bohemian Rhapsody” by Queen.

The 70s were also a time of great political turmoil, and many musicians used their platform to speak out against social injustice. Bob Dylan, John Lennon, and Stevie Wonder were just some of the artists who used their music to address issues such as racism, sexism, and poverty.

3) Movies and TV Shows

The 1970s saw the release of some of the most iconic movies and TV shows of all time. Movies such as Jaws, Star Wars, and The Godfather were released in the decade, while TV shows such as M*A*S*H*, and Saturday Night Live debuted.

The 1970s was also a time of great change in the film industry, with the rise of independent cinema and the decline of the studio system. This led to a more diverse range of movies being produced, including those that addressed social issues such as racism and sexism.

7 Ways The 70s Influenced Our Society And Culture (3)

4) Technology

The 1970s was a time of great technological advancement, with major inventions such as the microprocessor and the cellular phone being introduced in the decade. In terms of computing technology, the 70s saw the rise of personal computers, which were first introduced in the early 1970s.

The 70s was also a time of great advances in communication technology, with the introduction of the cellular phone and the development of email. These technologies revolutionized how people communicate with each other and have had a profound impact on our society.

In addition, it is important to mention that the 70s saw the launch of the first video game console, which was the Atari 2600. This was a major event in the history of gaming, as it paved the way for the development of other consoles such as the Nintendo Entertainment System and the Sony PlayStation.

5) Social Changes

The 1970s were also a time of great social change, with movements like feminism and gay liberation gaining prominence in the decade. The 70s saw the rise of women’s rights, with many women embracing their sexuality and asserting their independence. The popularization of the birth control pill also gave women more control over their bodies and their reproductive choices.

The gay rights movement also gained momentum in the 1970s, with the first Pride parade being held in 1970. This was a time of great change for the LGBT community, as they began to assert their rights and visibility in society.

The 70s were also a time of great racial tension, with the civil rights movement and the rise of black power gaining prominence in the decade. This was a time of great change for society, as people of color began to assert their rights and demand equality.

6) Politics

In addition to social changes, the 1970s were also a time of great political turmoil. This was a decade of great change, with the Watergate scandal and the Vietnam War having a major impact on American politics.

The 70s were also a time of great economic change, with stagflation and oil crises causing major problems for the American economy. This was a time of great hardship for many Americans, as the country was facing a major economic downturn.

7) Books

In addition to music and TV shows, the 1970s were also a time of great literary achievement. Many iconic novels were published in the decade, including The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy by Douglas Adams and The Shining by Stephen King.

The 70s were also a time of great change for the book industry, with the rise of independent publishers and the decline of traditional publishing houses. This led to a more diverse range of books being published, including those that addressed social issues such as racism and sexism.

The 70s were a decade of great change, both socially and politically. It was a time of great advances in technology, with the introduction of personal computers and the cellular phone. In addition, it was a time of great social change, with the rise of feminism and the gay rights movement. The 70s were also a time of great political turmoil, with the Watergate scandal and the Vietnam War having a major impact on American politics. Finally, it was a time of great literary achievement, with many iconic novels being published in the decade. All in all, the 70s were a hugely influential period in our history. We hope this article was interesting to you. You've learned about some aspects of the great 70s.

As a seasoned enthusiast and expert with a deep understanding of the transformative decade that was the 1970s, I can draw upon a wealth of knowledge and firsthand expertise to illuminate the various facets of this pivotal period. From the cultural shifts to technological breakthroughs, and the political and social upheavals, my extensive familiarity with the subject matter allows me to provide comprehensive insights.

Let's delve into the concepts discussed in the article:

1) Fashion:

  • The 1970s witnessed a paradigm shift in fashion, emphasizing comfort and liberation.
  • Women's fashion embraced body positivity with styles like bell bottoms, peasant blouses, and platform shoes.
  • Men also adopted a relaxed style, featuring corduroy trousers and collared shirts.
  • The era saw the rise of punk and disco fashion, both of which eventually influenced mainstream and high-end designers.

2) Music:

  • Musical innovation soared in the 1970s with the emergence of funk, disco, and punk genres.
  • Iconic musicians like David Bowie, ABBA, The Bee Gees, and The Rolling Stones left an indelible mark on the era.
  • The 1970s marked the advent of music videos, becoming a crucial marketing tool for artists.
  • Musicians like Bob Dylan, John Lennon, and Stevie Wonder used their platform to address social issues during a time of political turmoil.

3) Movies and TV Shows:

  • The 1970s produced iconic films such as Jaws, Star Wars, and The Godfather.
  • On television, notable shows like MASH and Saturday Night Live debuted.
  • The decade witnessed changes in the film industry, including the rise of independent cinema and a more diverse range of socially conscious movies.

4) Technology:

  • The 1970s marked significant technological advancements, introducing the microprocessor and the cellular phone.
  • Personal computers emerged, revolutionizing computing technology.
  • The decade also saw the launch of the first video game console, the Atari 2600, laying the foundation for future gaming consoles.

5) Social Changes:

  • Social change was prominent in the 1970s, with movements like feminism, gay liberation, and civil rights gaining momentum.
  • Women's rights advanced, aided by the popularization of the birth control pill.
  • The gay rights movement gained visibility, and racial tension led to the rise of the civil rights movement and black power.

6) Politics:

  • The 1970s were marked by political turmoil, including the Watergate scandal and the Vietnam War.
  • Economic challenges like stagflation and oil crises had a significant impact on the American economy.

7) Books:

  • The 1970s were a literary powerhouse with the publication of iconic novels like The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy and The Shining.
  • Independent publishers rose to prominence, diversifying the range of books addressing social issues.

In conclusion, the 1970s were a multifaceted decade that left an indelible mark on society and culture. The interplay of fashion, music, movies, technology, social changes, politics, and literature during this era shaped the trajectory of the world we live in today.

7 Ways The 70s Influenced Our Society And Culture (2024)

FAQs

7 Ways The 70s Influenced Our Society And Culture? ›

The 1970s were, in some ways, a continuation of the 1960s. Women, gays and lesbians, African Americans, Native Americans and other marginalized people continued their fight for equality, and many Americans joined the protest against the ongoing war in Vietnam.

How did the 70s impact society? ›

The 1970s were, in some ways, a continuation of the 1960s. Women, gays and lesbians, African Americans, Native Americans and other marginalized people continued their fight for equality, and many Americans joined the protest against the ongoing war in Vietnam.

What were the 70s known for culture? ›

The 1970s was the decade of lava lamps and shag carpets. At the same time, it was also a study in contradictions: austerity, campy colors, nature-loving hippies, and high-tech futurism. War and social change continued to shape society.

What were the 1970s known for in America? ›

Many remember the 1970s as a decade of soaring inflation, political upheaval, and the erosion of United States' prestige worldwide. But the significance of the seventies goes beyond high gas prices, Watergate, and Vietnam - profound changes to American politics, societal norms, and the nation's economy took root.

What is the 70s remembered for? ›

Also making news were the massacre at the Munich Olympics and the Iran hostage crisis. Notable cultural events of the 1970s included the debut of the sports network ESPN and the release of the film classics The Godfather and Star Wars. Jaws made movie news by becoming the first summer blockbuster.

How the 1970s changed the US economy? ›

The 1970s saw some of the highest rates of inflation in the United States in recent history. In turn, interest rates rose to nearly 20%. Fed policy, the abandonment of the gold window, Keynesian economic policy, and market psychology all contributed to the high inflation.

What happened in 1970 that changed the world? ›

On September 6, 1970, the world witnessed the beginnings of modern rebellious fighting in what is today called as Skyjack Sunday. Palestinian terrorists hijacked four airliners and took over 300 people on board as hostage. The hostages were later released, but the planes were blown up.

What is one way in which American society changed during the 1970s? ›

The 1970s turn to egalitarian ideals and practices was as sweeping as it was breathtaking, extending rights gained by African Americans to many other groups: This was the decade when the United States ended most practices of segregation by sex.

What was the cultural turn in the 1970s? ›

The cultural turn is a movement beginning in the early 1970s among scholars in the humanities and social sciences to make culture the focus of contemporary debates; it also describes a shift in emphasis toward meaning and away from a positivist epistemology.

What were the cultural values of 70s America? ›

Schulman contends that personal liberation and rebellion against authority became key themes of the 1970s, as Americans sought individualism through new outlooks on religion, popular culture, and sexuality.

What was invented in the 70s? ›

But the inventions in the 1970s mark the beginning of the digital age to come. Featured inventions include: cell phones, the bomb disposal robot Post It Note, hybrid cars, and digital cameras.

What was popular in the 70s pop culture? ›

The 1970s was an era of musical brilliance, with iconic bands and artists taking centre stage. From the electric energy of punk rock to the sound of disco, this decade had it all. Who can forget the rise of legendary bands like The Rolling Stones, The Buzzco*cks, The Ramones, Aerosmith, Black Sabbath, and Led Zeppelin.

What is an interesting fact about 1970s? ›

POP Culture: 1970

Construction is completed on the Sears Tower (now the Willis Tower) in Chicago, IL, in 1973, and it becomes the tallest building in the world until surpassed by the Petronas Twin Towers in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, in 1998. President Richard M. Nixon resigns from office on August 8, 1974.

Who was influential in the 1970s? ›

Important People of the 1970's - by emily freifeld
AB
Jimmy CarterPresident who promised the American people he would never lie to them
Richard NixonPlanned watergate. First president to resign while facing impeachment charges
Stephen SpielbergDirector of the famous mocie Jaws, released in 1975
16 more rows

Why was 70s music so influential? ›

It was the spirit of freedom and individuality that inspired many musicians to create some of the most iconic music of the era. The sound of the 70s – the disco, funk, soul, and rock – along with its fashion, culture and political movements, continues to be celebrated by artists today.

What is the historical significance of 1970s? ›

The Vietnam War came to a close, the Watergate scandal led to the resignation of President Richard Nixon, the United States ended direct involvement in the Vietnam War and President Jimmy Carter grappled with an energy crisis, inflation and the Iran Hostage Crisis.

What were the effects of the 1970s economic issues? ›

The 1970s Economy

Soaring energy prices fueled a wage-cost price spiral and widespread price hikes across the full spectrum of economic activity. Frequent recessions raised unemployment without cooling inflation. The Federal Reserve focused on propping up growth and was powerless to tame soaring prices.

What was the social movement in the 70s? ›

The 1960s and early 1970s represented a period of large scale protest in United States history. Recognizable movements during the period included the anti-Vietnam War campaign, the civil rights movement, women's liberation, the student movement, and last, but not least, the counterculture.

What was the social reform in the 70s? ›

Feminists opened battered women's shelters and successfully fought for protection from employment discrimination for pregnant women, reform of rape laws—such as the abolition of laws requiring a witness to corroborate a woman's report of rape—criminalization of domestic violence, and funding for schools that sought to ...

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