Bruno Pugh
The 1960s were a time of dramatic change, but some of the cultural norms from that era now seem almost unrecognizable—and even shocking. As society has evolved, so too have our expectations of what’s ‘normal.’ Let’s take a look at 10 cultural norms that would likely raise eyebrows today.
Segregated Schools
In the early 1960s, segregation remained widespread, even after Brown v. Board of Education declared it unconstitutional in 1954. Resistance to desegregation was so fierce that federal armies were needed to enforce integration in Little Rock, Arkansas. By 1964, only a fraction of schools were integrated.
Gender-Specific Job Advertisements
Classified ads explicitly separated job roles by gender, reinforcing rigid societal expectations. Listings for secretaries, teachers, or nurses were exclusively for women, while engineering and managerial positions targeted men. These practices perpetuated inequality until the Civil Rights Act of 1964, which legally prohibited such discrimination.
Corporal Punishment in Schools
As a disciplinary measure in schools during the 1960s, corporal punishment was used in a variety of ways, from paddling to striking with rulers. Teachers used these practices publicly to instill fear as a deterrent. The cultural shift toward banning such punishment began decades later, prompted by concerns over its psychological effects.
No Seat Belts in Cars
Before 1968, seat belts were an optional feature, rarely used or prioritized by automakers. This oversight contributed to high injury and fatality rates in car accidents. Public safety campaigns and legislation under the National Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety Act transformed vehicle design to prioritize occupant protection.
Lax Environmental Laws
During that time, environmental awareness was minimal, leaving industrial pollution unchecked. Iconic incidents, such as the repeated fires on Ohio’s Cuyahoga River, highlighted the crisis. Grassroots activism and growing public outrage eventually caused the formation of the Environmental Protection Agency.
Dismissing Mental Health Concerns
Mental health care was deeply inadequate, stigmatized, and institution-focused. Conditions such as depression and PTSD were largely ignored or treated poorly. The 1963 Community Mental Health Act marked an effort to decentralize care, but effective change took decades due to persistent societal stigma.
Unsafe Playground Equipment
The playgrounds were a hazard waiting to happen. Thin metal slides heated dangerously under the sun and jungle gyms on hard concrete posed severe injury risks. A subsequent introduction of safety guidelines, such as cushioned surfaces, drastically reduced playground-related accidents over time.
Limited Access to Education for Women
For women, higher education was marred by societal barriers, with many discouraged from pursuing advanced degrees in fields like science and law. Enrollment trends reflected gender biases until Title IX legislation in 1972, which mandated equal opportunities and transformed education landscapes.
Lack of Consumer Safety Standards
Household appliances prioritized functionality over safety. Hair dryers, for example, could overheat or cause electrical shocks. Such risks prompted consumer advocacy movements that led to the 1972 Consumer Product Safety Act, requiring rigorous safety testing for all appliances.
Strict Dress Codes for Women
As early as the 1960s, women had to follow strict dress codes both professionally and educationally. For instance, pants were often banned for female employees and students, limiting expression. The feminist movements of the late 1960s played a critical role in challenging and loosening these outdated norms.