Final answer:
The rise of media, gender roles, and the suburbs all played a role in the development of the consumer economy in the 1950s and 1960s. The suburbs and automobile culture facilitated suburbanization and increased consumer demand, while media and advertising contributed to the expansion of consumerism. Overall, the combination of these factors shaped the consumer economy of the time.
Step-by-step explanation:
In the 1950s and 1960s, the rise of media, gender roles, and the suburbs played a significant role in the development of the consumer economy. The emergence of suburbs allowed for the growth of the middle class and increased consumer demand for products and services. The automobile culture facilitated suburbanization, as it provided transportation for families to live away from urban areas and commute to work. This led to increased spending on consumer goods such as washing machines, refrigerators, and cars.
Media, including movies and sports, became popular forms of entertainment, and advertising and commercial radio contributed to the expansion of the consumer economy. With the advent of credit cards and installment plans, Americans had easier access to credit, allowing them to spend confidently and fueling consumerism. The combination of the suburbs, automobile culture, and media created an environment that promoted consumer spending and shaped the consumer economy.