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History of Canada – 1867 to Present
Table of Contents
Unit 9 Overview: Post-War Canada: Growth and Social Change
9.1 Economic Prosperity and Industrial Growth
9.2 Social Welfare and the Expansion of Government Services
9.3 The Baby Boom and its Social Impact
9.4 Cultural Developments and the Emergence of Canadian Identity

The Baby Boom after World War II drastically changed Canada's social landscape. From 1946 to 1965, birth rates soared, and the population grew from 12 to 18 million. This surge put pressure on housing, education, and healthcare systems.

The influx of young people shaped Canadian culture and society. Youth-oriented trends in music, fashion, and entertainment emerged. Suburbs expanded as families sought affordable homes. Women's roles evolved, with more entering the workforce while still managing domestic responsibilities.

Population and Demographic Changes

Baby Boom and Population Growth

  • Baby Boom generation born between 1946-1965 following World War II, a period of increased birth rates and population growth
  • Canada's population grew rapidly from 12 million in 1945 to over 18 million by 1960 due to the Baby Boom and immigration
  • High fertility rates during the Baby Boom, with Canadian women having an average of 3.7 children each in the late 1950s
  • Rapid population growth put pressure on housing, education, and healthcare systems to expand and accommodate the larger population

Demographic Shifts and Impacts

  • Demographic composition of Canada shifted as the Baby Boomers made up a significant proportion of the total population
  • Median age of the Canadian population decreased as children and youth became a larger segment compared to prior decades
  • Larger youth population led to increased demand for family-oriented goods (baby products, toys) and services (pediatricians, child care)
  • Demographic changes influenced public policy priorities in areas like education and urban planning to support young families

Social and Cultural Impacts

Expansion of Education System

  • Education system expanded significantly in the post-war years to accommodate the Baby Boom generation
  • Many new elementary and high schools built in the 1950s and 1960s to provide enough classroom spaces
  • School curriculums and teaching methods adapted to larger class sizes and more diverse student needs
  • Post-secondary institutions also grew to prepare for the wave of Baby Boomers reaching university age in the 1960s

Rise of Youth Culture and Suburbia

  • Distinct youth culture emerged in the 1950s and 1960s as Baby Boomers became teenagers and young adults
  • Rock and roll music, fashion trends (jeans, miniskirts), and pastimes (drive-in movies) oriented around youth interests
  • Rapid growth of suburban communities as young families sought affordable single-family homes outside of cities
  • Suburban lifestyle centered around the nuclear family, automobile ownership, and modern household conveniences (appliances, televisions)

Changing Roles of Women

  • Women's participation in the paid workforce increased during the post-war economic boom, especially in clerical, sales, and service jobs
  • Many women still expected to prioritize domestic roles as housewives and mothers, creating "double burden" of paid work and household labor
  • Beginnings of the women's rights movement in the 1960s challenged traditional gender norms and advocated for greater equality in the workplace and society
  • Oral contraceptives introduced in 1960 gave women more control over family planning and fertility, enabling pursuit of education and careers

Key Terms to Review (24)

Consumerism: Consumerism is the cultural and economic phenomenon that emphasizes the acquisition of goods and services as a measure of personal success and social status. It emerged significantly in the post-World War II era, especially during the Baby Boom, when increased economic prosperity and mass production led to a dramatic rise in consumer spending. This shift not only changed lifestyles but also impacted social structures, values, and the economy as a whole.
Counterculture movement: The counterculture movement refers to a social movement that emerged primarily in the 1960s, characterized by a rejection of mainstream cultural norms and values, often promoting alternative lifestyles, artistic expression, and social change. This movement was marked by a strong opposition to traditional authority, particularly in relation to war, consumerism, and societal expectations. It played a significant role in shaping the cultural landscape of the time, influencing various aspects of life including music, fashion, and politics.
Universal healthcare: Universal healthcare is a system that provides healthcare and medical services to all individuals without direct charges at the point of care. This model emphasizes access to necessary medical services for everyone, promoting health equity and reducing financial barriers to care. In the context of post-World War II Canada, universal healthcare emerged as a response to the social changes brought about by the Baby Boom, as the growing population demanded more comprehensive health services.
Pierre Trudeau: Pierre Trudeau was a Canadian politician who served as the 15th Prime Minister of Canada from 1968 to 1979 and again from 1980 to 1984. He was a significant figure in Canadian politics, known for his charismatic leadership style and his role in shaping modern Canada, particularly in relation to social issues, constitutional changes, and multiculturalism.
Housing pressure: Housing pressure refers to the increased demand for residential properties that often outstrips the available supply, leading to issues such as rising prices, overcrowding, and inadequate living conditions. This phenomenon is particularly relevant during periods of population growth, such as the baby boom after World War II, where a surge in birth rates and immigration intensified the need for housing and significantly impacted social dynamics and urban development.
John Diefenbaker: John Diefenbaker was the 13th Prime Minister of Canada, serving from 1957 to 1963. He is best known for his efforts to promote Canadian nationalism and his role in expanding civil rights, particularly through the Canadian Bill of Rights. His leadership coincided with the Baby Boom era, impacting the social landscape of Canada and influencing its identity on the global stage after World War II.
Median age: Median age is a demographic measure that indicates the age at which half the population is younger and half is older. It provides insight into the age distribution of a population, which can reflect significant social and economic trends, such as shifts in family structure, workforce participation, and healthcare needs.
Canadian Immigration Policies: Canadian immigration policies refer to the set of laws and regulations governing how individuals from other countries can enter, reside, and become citizens of Canada. These policies evolved significantly in response to demographic changes, economic needs, and social pressures, especially during the post-war baby boom period, which saw a surge in population growth and a demand for labor.
Family-oriented goods: Family-oriented goods refer to products and services specifically designed to cater to the needs and preferences of families, especially during the post-war baby boom period. This era saw a surge in consumer demand for items that enhanced family life, such as household appliances, children’s toys, family cars, and larger homes. These goods not only reflected changing social dynamics but also helped shape family experiences and lifestyles during a time of significant population growth.
Women's rights movement: The women's rights movement refers to the social and political efforts aimed at achieving equal rights and opportunities for women. This movement emerged as a response to the historical inequalities faced by women, particularly in areas such as voting, education, and employment. It sought to challenge traditional gender roles and advocate for the recognition of women's rights as human rights.
Double burden: The double burden refers to the phenomenon where individuals, particularly women, are expected to fulfill both professional responsibilities and traditional domestic roles simultaneously. This concept emerged significantly during the post-World War II baby boom, where increasing numbers of women entered the workforce while also maintaining their roles as primary caregivers and homemakers.
Fertility Rates: Fertility rates refer to the average number of children born to a woman over her lifetime. These rates are influenced by various social, economic, and cultural factors, and they play a significant role in shaping population dynamics and societal structures. Understanding fertility rates is crucial for examining demographic changes, including population growth or decline, as well as the social impact of periods like the Baby Boom, which saw a significant rise in birth rates following World War II.
Baby boom: The baby boom refers to the significant increase in birth rates that occurred after World War II, particularly from 1946 to 1964. This period marked a dramatic rise in the population, as returning soldiers and their families began to settle down, leading to a surge in marriages and births. The baby boom had profound effects on various aspects of society, including education, economy, and culture, shaping the future of Canada as these individuals grew into a substantial demographic group.
Education system expansion: Education system expansion refers to the growth and development of educational institutions and programs to accommodate the increasing number of students, especially during significant demographic shifts. This expansion is often driven by societal needs, such as the Baby Boom, where a surge in birth rates led to a higher demand for education. As more children entered the education system, governments invested in building schools, hiring teachers, and developing curricula to ensure that the growing population received an adequate education.
Rock and roll music: Rock and roll music is a genre that emerged in the United States in the late 1940s and early 1950s, characterized by a strong beat, simple melodies, and lyrics that often focus on themes of youth and rebellion. This genre played a significant role in shaping the cultural landscape of the Baby Boom generation, influencing social dynamics and youth identity.
Population Growth: Population growth refers to the increase in the number of individuals in a population over time. This can result from higher birth rates, lower death rates, and migration. In the context of the Baby Boom, population growth was marked by a significant surge in birth rates following World War II, which had profound social and economic implications for society.
Baby boomers: Baby boomers are individuals born during the post-World War II baby boom, specifically between 1946 and 1964, marking a significant increase in birth rates in many countries, including Canada. This generation is known for its profound impact on society, culture, and the economy as they transitioned from childhood to adulthood during times of significant change, including social movements and economic shifts.
Youth culture: Youth culture refers to the shared values, practices, and interests of young people, particularly those in their teenage years and early adulthood. This concept encompasses aspects such as music, fashion, language, and social behaviors that distinguish younger generations from older ones. It plays a crucial role in shaping identities and can significantly influence broader societal trends, especially during periods of demographic change like the baby boom.
Birth rates: Birth rates refer to the number of live births per 1,000 people in a population over a specific period, typically one year. This measure is crucial for understanding demographic trends and societal changes, as it affects population growth, age structure, and economic development. Variations in birth rates can reflect cultural, economic, and health factors, which play significant roles during periods of demographic shifts and societal transformations.
Post-world war ii: Post-World War II refers to the period following the end of the Second World War in 1945, marked by significant political, social, and economic changes around the globe. This era saw the emergence of new social norms, including shifts in family structures and demographics, largely driven by a dramatic increase in birth rates known as the Baby Boom. The cultural and societal transformations during this time laid the groundwork for modern Canada, influencing education, housing, and gender roles.
Family allowance: Family allowance is a government-funded benefit designed to provide financial support to families with children, aiming to reduce poverty and promote child well-being. It became a significant aspect of social welfare policies, especially during the post-World War II era, when governments expanded their roles in providing services and support to citizens. This allowance played a crucial part in addressing the needs of families during the Baby Boom, as the number of children increased and the demand for child-related services grew.
Social safety net: A social safety net is a collection of services and programs designed to provide support and assistance to individuals and families in need, ensuring basic needs are met during times of economic hardship. This concept encompasses various forms of financial aid, healthcare access, housing assistance, and employment support aimed at reducing poverty and inequality. The growth of these programs has become particularly significant in response to societal changes, such as population shifts and economic pressures.
Welfare state: A welfare state is a government system that provides social services and financial assistance to ensure the well-being of its citizens, aiming to reduce poverty and inequality. It reflects a commitment to social justice and economic security, often involving various programs such as healthcare, education, and unemployment benefits. The development of the welfare state in Canada has been closely linked to historical events and shifts in societal values, particularly after conflicts and demographic changes.
Suburbanization: Suburbanization refers to the population shift from urban areas to suburban areas, often resulting in the development of residential communities outside of city centers. This process is closely tied to economic prosperity and industrial growth, as increased job opportunities and rising incomes made it possible for families to seek larger homes and better living conditions in less densely populated areas. Additionally, suburbanization significantly influenced social dynamics during the baby boom, as growing families moved to suburbs in search of space, safety, and community amenities.