Final answer:
Recent history since 1970 has seen a complex interplay between the continuation of 1960s liberalism and a resurgence of conservatism. The liberal advances in civil rights and social justice led to reactions among those feeling threatened, yet also laid the groundwork for further progress and the widespread influence of New Left ideals on society.
Step-by-step explanation:
The question asks whether recent history since 1970 is characterized by a rejection of 1960s liberalism. The late 1960s marked the peak of liberal movements and the demand for greater rights by various marginalized groups including African Americans, women, Native Americans, and the LGBTQ+ community. This period also saw the rise of concepts such as the social construction of reality, influencing beliefs and behaviors related to class and gender. However, the following decades witnessed a shift as the Silent Majority and the subsequent rise of conservatism in the 1970s and 1980s seemed to push back against these liberal advances. The developments of the 1960s, including civil rights activism and the counterculture, prompted a reaction among many who felt threatened by these changes, leading to a resurgence of conservative values and a reassertion of traditional social norms.
The apparent backlash against 1960s liberalism can be seen in the political and social conservatism of the 1980s and 1990s, symbolized by the rise of conservative think tanks, the defeat of the Equal Rights Amendment (ERA), and the handling of the HIV/AIDS crisis. The New Left in the 1960s called for sweeping changes that reshaped aspects of American society, especially related to gender and race. This contrasted with the 1980s, where cultural icons and idealism gave way to more radical approaches and a skepticism of the government's ability to combat poverty and injustice. The perspective on civil rights also broadened, recognizing the complexities and contributions of African American activism outside of the commonly known South-centric narrative.