FAMST 101C Lecture Notes - Lecture 4: House Un-American Activities Committee, Shoulder Pads, Scapegoating
Document Summary
Post wwii: gender roles and women: late 1940s-1950s, women dressed in covering, comfortable clothing. Shoulder pads: fashion changed considerably in 1947 when christian dior introduced a new silhouette. Nipped in waist, and full skirt (midi-maxi) Reflected the fact that women"s fashions had been affected by shortages during wartime. However, in contrast, dior creations were extravagant in use of fabrics. "new look" depended upon foundation garments to shape a woman"s body to conform to the clothing silhouette (girdles) Fashion critics thought dior reflected silhouettes of the 1890s. Some considered the "new look" silhouette to be a visual departure of women from the industrial labor market after wwii. Women were pushed back into the home and family/domestic space as men returned from the war to the work force: late 1940s-1950s scrutiny regarding female sexuality. Scapegoating of women for their sexuality - posited as violent.
