Lakewood

Definition

Lakewood refers to a suburb of Los Angeles, California, that emerged as part of the post-World War II suburbanization trend in the United States. It is emblematic of the rapid expansion of suburban living during this period, characterized by affordable housing, the rise of consumer culture, and the shift of populations from urban centers to suburban areas in search of better living conditions and a more family-oriented lifestyle.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Lakewood was developed in the early 1950s and became one of the quintessential examples of postwar suburban growth in America.
2. The city was designed as a planned community, featuring many single-family homes and green spaces, catering to returning veterans and their families.
3. Lakewood's development was part of a broader trend where many Americans sought to escape crowded cities for suburban life, leading to significant demographic shifts.
4. The rise of consumer culture in Lakewood coincided with the construction of shopping centers and malls, reflecting the increasing importance of retail in suburban life.
5. Lakewood's growth was supported by government policies like GI Bill benefits, which made homeownership more accessible for many returning soldiers.

Review Questions

• How did Lakewood embody the broader trends of suburbanization and consumerism in post-World War II America?
  • Lakewood exemplified the suburbanization trend as it was developed as a planned community designed to attract families looking for affordable housing and improved living conditions. This suburb not only provided spacious homes but also embraced consumerism through shopping centers that catered to new residents’ needs. As more people moved to Lakewood seeking a quieter lifestyle away from urban chaos, it mirrored a national shift towards valuing suburban living.
• Discuss the impact of government policies on the development of Lakewood during the postwar era.
  • Government policies played a crucial role in Lakewood's development by providing incentives like GI Bill benefits that made homeownership feasible for many returning veterans. These policies encouraged mass housing developments and facilitated access to financing, allowing families to purchase homes in new suburbs. This led to a rapid population influx into Lakewood, transforming it into a thriving community reflective of postwar aspirations.
• Evaluate the long-term implications of Lakewood's suburban development on American urban planning and lifestyle choices today.
  • Lakewood's development has had lasting implications for American urban planning by setting a precedent for suburban communities focused on single-family homes and car-centric lifestyles. As suburbs like Lakewood grew, they influenced urban sprawl patterns seen today, impacting transportation infrastructure and public services. This has also contributed to ongoing discussions about sustainable development and the challenges faced by urban centers as populations continue to shift towards suburban areas, highlighting issues such as environmental impact and social equity.

Related terms

Suburbanization: The process by which people move from urban areas to the suburbs, often seeking a quieter, more spacious environment with access to amenities like parks and schools.

Levittown:

One of the first mass-produced suburbs in the United States, built after World War II, which became a model for postwar suburban development across the country.

Consumerism:

The cultural phenomenon that arose in the post-World War II era, emphasizing the acquisition of goods and services as a measure of personal success and happiness.