Social Developments in the UK 1964- 1970

Summary

This video explores the social developments in the UK during the Wilson years (1964-1970), highlighting the growth of leisure activities, the impact of increased car ownership, and the rise of television as a cultural unifier. It discusses the shift from live events to home-based entertainment, the liberalization of media content, and the debate over the 'permissive society.' The script also touches on the changing attitudes towards censorship in theater and films, the role of advertising, and the government's conservative response to the growing drug culture.

Takeaways

• 📺 The 1960s saw a significant growth in leisure activities, with more people having free time, especially on weekends, and television becoming a central part of home entertainment.
• 🚗 The affordability of cars increased greatly, leading to a decrease in public transport use and a rise in activities such as caravanning and golf, as well as the development of out-of-town shopping centers.
• 🏠 DIY, gardening, cooking, knitting, and needlework became popular leisure activities that people could enjoy at home while watching the increasingly accessible television.
• 🎭 Live events like theater and sports matches saw a decline in attendance as leisure activities became more home-based.
• 🌐 The growth of the advertising industry transformed shopping into a leisure activity, with brands becoming household names through television advertisements.
• ✈️ More people were going on holidays in the 1960s, both domestically and abroad, with the emergence of budget airlines like Britannia Airways catering to this demand.
• 🍷 The decade witnessed the rise of trendy bars and restaurants serving foreign cuisines, reflecting the influence of middle-class tastes and international travel.
• 📽️ TV replaced cinema as the primary source of entertainment, with Hugh Green's modernization efforts at the BBC leading to more informal and entertaining content.
• 🔍 The creation of BBC Two in 1964 allowed for more educational programming, while BBC One focused on entertainment, and color broadcasting began.
• 🚫 The 1960s experienced a shift in censorship, with the theater censorship abolished in 1968, reflecting a more liberal society and leading to bolder content in plays and films.
• 🌾 Despite the perception of a 'permissive society', surveys showed that many young people still held traditional attitudes, marrying their first sexual partner or not having sex before marriage.

Q & A

What was a significant social change in the 1960s regarding leisure activities in the UK?

The growth of leisure activities became more prominent, with an increasing number of people having most or the entire weekend free, leading to a rise in home-based leisure activities such as watching television, DIY, and gardening.

How did the accessibility of leisure activities change in the 1960s due to technological advancements?

The accessibility of leisure activities increased as television became a common household item, with about 23% of leisure time being spent watching TV, and other activities like DIY and gardening became more popular as people had more time to engage in them.

What impact did the increased leisure time have on live events and traditional activities?

Increased leisure time led to a decrease in the popularity of live events such as theater attendance and football matches, especially outside big cities, as more leisure activities took place within the home.

How did the affordability of cars in the 1960s influence society in the UK?

The affordability of cars had a significant social impact, with more people owning cars by 1970, leading to a decrease in the use of public transportation like buses and trains, and enabling the opening of new out-of-town shopping centers and the rise of activities like caravanning and golf.

What was the role of Hugh Green as the Director General of the BBC in the 1960s?

Hugh Green modernized television by diverting funds from radio to TV, relaxing guidelines on nudity and swearing, introducing a more informal style to news presentation, and making BBC more entertainment-focused while maintaining its educational and informative purpose.

How did the creation of BBC Two in 1964 affect the programming of BBC One?

The creation of BBC Two, which focused on information and education, allowed BBC One to become more entertainment-focused and populist, aligning with Hugh Green's vision for the BBC.

What significant change in the UK's theater industry occurred in 1968?

In 1968, the censorship of theater was abolished after a bill introduced by George Strauss, supported by Roy Jenkins and Lawrence Olivier, was passed by parliament, ending the need for a license from the Lord Chamberlain's Office to put on a new play.

How did the British Board of Film Censors respond to societal changes in the 1960s?

The British Board of Film Censors became more liberal in their definition of what was acceptable and appropriate in films, allowing for more daring films like 'Alfie' and 'Here We Go Round the Mulberry Bush' to be released, reflecting the changing societal attitudes.

What was the term used by critics to describe the UK society of the 1960s, and what did it imply?

The term 'permissive society' was used by critics to describe the UK society of the 1960s, implying a society that allows anything to happen with no real controls on morality and behavior.

How did the government respond to the rise in drug use during the 1960s?

The government, under Jim Callaghan as Home Secretary, took a conservative approach, making it unlawful to possess drugs like cocaine and cannabis with the Dangerous Drugs Act in 1967, and increasing the maximum sentence for supplying drugs to 14 years in prison by the end of the decade.

What was the role of Mary Whitehouse and her organization in the context of the 'permissive society'?

Mary Whitehouse, presenting herself as an average British housewife, set up the National Viewers and Listeners Association (NVLA) in 1965 to represent the views of those who were critical of the liberal attitudes in the media. Despite her significant media profile, the actual impact of her organization on the media was limited.