Johann Hunt
The ‘70s were a time of cultural transformation. There were many common practices and behaviors that didn’t always raise an eyebrow. Fast forward a few decades. Many of those actions are now frowned upon or even deemed illegal. Let’s take a closer look at the ten biggest habits of the era that clash with today’s standards.
Smoking Indoors In Workplaces
In the ‘70s, smoking indoors at work or in public places was a regular sight. Cigarette breaks were part of office culture, with no restrictions on where you could light up. Now, smoke-free laws protect workers from secondhand smoke exposure, and smoking indoors is strictly prohibited in most workplaces.
Child Labor In Family-Owned Businesses
Back then, it was common for children to help out in family-owned businesses, especially in restaurants or small farms. These practices were often seen as a way to build a work ethic. Today, child labor laws heavily restrict such work, with some exceptions.
Unregulated Workplace Safety Standards
The ‘70s lacked the comprehensive workplace safety regulations we know. Many jobs, mostly in construction and manufacturing, were done without proper protective gear or safety guidelines. Thankfully, modern laws, such as OSHA regulations, require employers to uphold safety protocols and protect workers.
Lack Of Restrictions On DWI
Driving after a few drinks was often brushed off or seen as no big deal in the ‘70s. Legal enforcement was minimal, and many treated it casually. That leniency has vanished, replaced by strict laws, harsh penalties, and greater public awareness of the dangers of impaired driving.
Gender Discrimination In The Workplace
At that time, women faced bigger pay gaps and limited advancement, even though laws like Title VII and the Equal Pay Act had already banned such discrimination. True enforcement and cultural shifts only started gaining momentum towards the end of that decade.
Unrestricted Use Of Pesticides
Chemicals like DDT were commonly used without any second thoughts, even in residential areas. These substances are now either banned or heavily regulated due to their harmful impact on health and ecosystems. This shows that our understanding of environmental responsibility has drastically improved.
Workplace Harassment
Back then, many people endured harassment at work without meaningful recourse, as employers rarely took complaints seriously. It wasn’t until court rulings in the ‘80s, like Meritor Savings Bank v. Vinson, that harassment was clearly recognized as a violation of employee rights under Title VII.
Ad Campaigns Aimed At Children
Advertising to kids in the ‘70s ran wild, especially for sugary foods and flashy toys. Today, there are stronger guidelines against deceptive marketing. The U.S. does not outright ban ads for children, but there are protections focusing on data privacy and discouraging misleading claims.
Eavesdropping In The Workplace
Employers could easily eavesdrop on their employees’ private conversations and even tap phones, all without consequences. Right now? Such practices are considered illegal, with strict laws protecting workers’ privacy and holding employers accountable for violating personal boundaries.
Seatbelt Ignorance On The Road
Modern laws require everyone in a vehicle to buckle up, and failure to do so can result in hefty fines, as society places a high value on road safety. However, people didn’t think twice about leaving their seatbelts off back in the ‘70s. In fact, it was the norm.