Cultural Struggle

Definition

Cultural struggle refers to the tensions and conflicts that arise when differing cultural values, beliefs, and practices collide within a society. In the 1920s, this term encapsulated the battle between traditional norms and modern ideas, including shifts in social behaviors, gender roles, and artistic expressions, leading to significant societal changes and divisions.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The 1920s were marked by a clash between traditional values and the emerging modern culture, with significant impacts on lifestyle and social mores.
2. The rise of the automobile and mass media contributed to the cultural struggle by changing how people interacted and consumed information.
3. Debates over Prohibition highlighted cultural divisions between urban and rural populations, as many city dwellers embraced nightlife while rural communities upheld conservative values.
4. The Harlem Renaissance was a vital expression of African American culture during this time, emphasizing pride in racial identity amidst ongoing racial discrimination.
5. The emergence of flappers represented a radical shift in women's roles, as they pushed against societal expectations by advocating for independence and personal freedom.

Review Questions

• How did the cultural struggle in the 1920s manifest in the lives of everyday Americans?
  • In the 1920s, the cultural struggle was evident in the contrasting lifestyles of urban and rural Americans. Urban areas saw a rise in modernism, with new forms of entertainment like jazz music and dance clubs becoming popular. In contrast, rural communities often held onto traditional values, leading to conflicts over issues like Prohibition. This tension was reflected in public debates and social changes as individuals navigated between these competing cultural forces.
• Evaluate the impact of the Harlem Renaissance on the perception of African American culture during the 1920s and how it relates to the larger theme of cultural struggle.
  • The Harlem Renaissance significantly influenced how African American culture was perceived during the 1920s by showcasing its richness through literature, art, and music. This movement highlighted a cultural struggle for identity and recognition within a predominantly white society. Artists like Langston Hughes and Duke Ellington used their platforms to challenge stereotypes and assert pride in African American heritage, thus contributing to ongoing dialogues about race, equality, and cultural expression in America.
• Analyze how Prohibition exemplified the cultural struggles of the 1920s and its lasting effects on American society.
  • Prohibition exemplified cultural struggles in the 1920s by highlighting the deep divide between traditionalists who sought to uphold moral standards and modernists who embraced personal freedoms. The law sparked widespread illegal activity, such as bootlegging and speakeasies, revealing resistance against governmental control over personal behavior. The conflict between these two perspectives not only shaped societal attitudes during the decade but also led to significant changes in laws regarding alcohol consumption, culminating in Prohibition's repeal in 1933. This legacy reflects an ongoing negotiation of moral values within American culture.

Related terms

Prohibition:

A nationwide constitutional ban on the production, importation, transportation, and sale of alcoholic beverages in the United States from 1920 to 1933.

Harlem Renaissance:

A cultural movement in the 1920s centered in Harlem, New York, showcasing African American art, literature, and music, reflecting a struggle for cultural identity and expression.

Flappers:

Young women in the 1920s who challenged traditional gender norms by adopting new styles and behaviors, symbolizing the era's cultural shift.