Why are the 1950s remembered as an age of affluence?

The 1950s were remembered as an age of affluence because of the sudden mass emergence of American consumer culture. 

During the 1950s, the average lifespan of a car was around 2 years, Tupperware parties were held in homes, and various material industries boomed. Material goods became a sign of reputation, becoming more valuable than personality traits. The idea was that everyone could afford nice things and hold a stable job without a college education–in essence, the American dream. 

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