Suburbs

Definition

Suburbs are residential areas situated on the outskirts of a city, typically characterized by single-family homes and a more spacious environment compared to urban centers. They became prominent in the mid-20th century as a result of increased automobile ownership and the desire for affordable housing, contributing to a significant shift in living patterns and lifestyles during times of economic growth and consumerism.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The rise of suburbs began after World War II, fueled by government policies such as the GI Bill, which made home loans more accessible to returning veterans.
2. Suburbs were often seen as ideal living spaces for families seeking a better quality of life, with larger homes and yards compared to cramped urban apartments.
3. The construction of highways and improved transportation made commuting to city jobs easier, encouraging people to move to suburban areas.
4. Suburban development was marked by the growth of shopping centers and schools, creating self-sufficient communities that still relied on nearby urban areas for employment and services.
5. The rise of consumer culture in the suburbs was reflected in the popularity of automobiles, which became essential for commuting and recreational activities.

Review Questions

• How did the economic boom after World War II influence the growth of suburbs in the United States?
  • The economic boom following World War II played a crucial role in the expansion of suburbs as families sought affordable housing options away from crowded cities. With increased automobile ownership and government policies that supported home loans, many people were able to purchase homes in suburban areas. This shift was driven by a desire for a better quality of life, spacious living environments, and the pursuit of the American Dream, all of which contributed to the suburbanization movement.
• Discuss the impact of suburbanization on urban areas and how it changed demographics during this period.
  • Suburbanization significantly impacted urban areas by leading to population decline as many middle-class families moved to the suburbs. This movement resulted in 'white flight,' where predominantly white families left urban centers, exacerbating racial segregation and contributing to economic challenges in cities. As resources drained away from urban neighborhoods, cities faced declining infrastructure and increased poverty levels, altering the demographic landscape of both suburbs and cities.
• Evaluate how consumerism influenced the development of suburban communities and their associated lifestyles.
  • Consumerism played a key role in shaping suburban communities and their lifestyles by encouraging people to seek larger homes filled with consumer goods. The rise of shopping centers within suburban areas facilitated easy access to goods and services, promoting a culture centered around consumption. Additionally, the desire for leisure activities drove suburban development toward creating amenities such as parks and recreational facilities, further entrenching consumer culture in these communities. This shift marked a significant change in American society where success was often measured by homeownership and material possessions.

Related terms

Urbanization: The process through which rural areas transform into urban ones, often leading to population growth in cities.

Levittown: One of the first mass-produced suburbs in the United States, created by William Levitt, which became a model for post-war suburban development.

White Flight: The phenomenon where white families moved from urban areas to suburbs in response to increasing racial diversity and tensions in cities.