Did Boomers Have It EASY In The 70s?

TL;DR

Life in the 70s involved changes in the drinking age, voting age, draft, and increasing costs of homes, college, and minimum wage.

Transcript

Hey there! Welcome to Life Noggin. Oooh!! Somebody’s got a case of disco fever! I hope you get well soon! There was a lot going on in the United States during the 1970s. But besides being really into disco music, what was day to day life like when you turned 18 in the 70s? Well to start with, in the late 60s and early 70s, many of the states lowere... Read More

Key Insights

• 🤕 Lowering of the drinking age and voting age had societal impacts on safety and youth engagement.
• ❤️‍🩹 The end of the draft in the 70s brought relief to many individuals and families.
• 🙈 The 70s saw significant increases in housing prices and college costs, impacting affordability.
• 🤨 The federal minimum wage has decreased when adjusted for inflation, with some states raising it to address living costs.

Questions & Answers

Q: What significant changes occurred in the 70s regarding the drinking age and voting age?

In the 70s, the drinking age was lowered to 18, leading to more car accidents. The voting age was also lowered, empowering youth to participate in elections.

Q: How did the end of the draft in the 70s impact society?

The end of the draft in the 70s, after the Vietnam War, relieved many men and families from the fear of forced military service, bringing a sense of peace and relief to the public.

Q: What were the trends in housing prices and college costs in the 70s?

Housing prices in the 70s were significantly lower than today, with college costs also being more affordable. However, both have seen drastic increases over the years.

Q: How did the minimum wage in the 70s compare to current levels?

The federal minimum wage in the 70s was higher when adjusted for inflation, showing a decrease over the years. Some states have increased their minimum wage to address the rising cost of living.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• Life in the 70s saw the drinking age lowered, resulting in increased alcohol-related car crashes.

• Changes in the voting age and draft occurred, affecting youth participation and military service.

• Rising costs of homes, college education, and decreasing minimum wage shaped the economic landscape of the time.