What was it like growing up in the Great Depression; and how did America's youngest citizens contribute to the history of that fateful decade? In The Greatest Generation Grows Up; Kriste Lindenmeyer shows that the experiences of depression-era children help us understand the course of the 1930s as well as the history of American childhood. For the first time; she notes; federal policy extended childhood dependence through the teen years while cultural changes reinforced this ideal of modern childhood. Grade-based grammar schools and high schools expanded rapidly; strengthening age-based distinctions among children and segregating them further from the world of adults. Radio broadcasters; filmmakers; and manufacturers began to market their products directly to children and teens; powerfully linking consumerism and modern childhood. In all; the thirties experience worked to confer greater identity on American children; and Ms. Lindenmeyer's story provides essential background for understanding the legacy of those men and women whom Tom Brokaw has called "America's greatest generation." While many children suffered terribly during these years―and are remembered vividly in the Farm Security Administration's stunning photographs of the era―Ms. Lindenmeyer argues that an exclusive focus on those who were ill-housed; ill-fed; and ill-clothed neglects the contributions and widely varied experiences of American youngsters. The decade's important changes touched the lives of all children and teenagers. By 1940; the image of an idyllic modern childhood had been strengthened in law and confirmed in culture by the depression years. With 21 black-and-white illustrations.
#885006 in Books 2010-08-31Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 .50 x 5.90 x 8.90l; .70 #File Name: 1565493311220 pages
Review
0 of 2 people found the following review helpful. Good buy and good readBy Jennifer LangeI bought this book for a graduate class; but will probably read it over and over again. The book itself was in perfect condition. No wear or tear!2 of 3 people found the following review helpful. A topic that should be understood better by citizensBy R.L.D.This might not be a burning topic with many people; but Haines has a wealth of background in this area and presents this situation in a variety of ways. It is actually a very complex situation and good/accurate data is difficult to obtain. Nationality/ethnicity/race/language are among many difficult to pin down aspects in many cases. Haines also closes with some comments about undocumented immigration---which is cheap labor for companies and not so good for the laborers. Contrasted with the high cost of refugee programs tends to add to the undocumented workers.A lot of charts and graphs and well organized chapters. One need not read every word to understand the complex situation that the author is trying to portray and the questions to be asked and answered. Whether one is pro or anti- USA; one cannot deny that America has done quite an admirable job in the refugee problem--with the assistance of capable people like David Haines.
