ASSIGNMENT
- Choose one of the following popular 1950s television family situation comedies (sitcoms) and watch at least 2 episodes:
- “Father Knows Best” (1954-1960)
- “Leave it to Beaver” (1957-1963)
- “The Danny Thomas Show – Make Room for Daddy” (1953-1964)
- “The Adventures of Ozzie and Harriet” (1952-1966)
- “The Donna Reed Show” (1958-1966)
- Conduct outside research on the American family of the 1950s.
- Discuss the show’s impact on American society by considering the following questions:
- What did the show’s family look like?
- As far as its race, socioeconomic status (wealthy, middle class, poor), level education, number of members, dual or single parent household, etc. is concerned.
- How were the men, women and children portrayed in the episodes?
- What were their roles, behavior, relationships, etc.?
- What types of issues or problems did the family encounter?
- What message or messages do you think this show trying to convey to Americans about family life?
- Lastly, how does the 1950s American family compare to the American family of today?
