Changing social attitudes and the growth of a "Youth Subculture" in the 1960's

• Growing affluence of society enabled some young people on good wages to feel independent and ready to ignore traditional ways.

• Pockets of poverty did not share in the general prosperity - felt bitter and alienated.

• Teenagers of the 1960's were the first generation to not have lived through the hardships and depression of WWII.

• Advertisers targeted teenagers - sold them clothes, pop records and encouraged them to regard themselves as special and different.

• Psychologically, the young were throwing off traditional restraints and act out their feelings and desires.

• Britain was seen as "grey" and "backwards" - teenagers wanted more excitement in their lives.

• Scandals from the Establishment (e.g. the Profumo affair) hardly set an example of responsible behaviour.

• Boom time for satire - regular mocking on TV and theatre of politicians, deference was crumbling as a result.

• Population boom - more young people around than before.

• Affluent society - teenagers had more money and time (as working hours declined) to spend in café's and jazz clubs.  

• Music became a massive influence on teenagers - pop and rock and roll was first introduced.

• Sexual liberation - legalisation of homosexuality, availability of the pill, explicit books were accepted.