Final answer:
Companies have historically needed to adapt to the changing social and political cultures, such as during the Civil Rights movement, post-WWII economic growth, and periods of cultural change like the 1920s. They have responded by adopting more inclusive practices, addressing social responsibilities, and transforming their business strategies to cater to new consumer bases and societal norms.
Step-by-step explanation:
The question concerns how companies have adapted to social and political cultures, particularly during periods of significant change such as the Civil Rights movement. For example, during this time, organizations had to reassess their policies and practices regarding equal employment opportunities and non-discriminatory practices, leading to a transformation in both internal policies and external branding. This included creating more inclusive hiring practices and, in many cases, public support for the movement.
After WWII and into the 1950s, the United States saw a period of substantial social, political, economic, and cultural readjustments. This included the baby boom, the rise of the middle class, and the consequent consumer culture. In response, businesses adapted by catering to this new affluent society through products and marketing targeted at the average American family, and by engaging in practices supportive of a suburban lifestyle.
In examining the gap between the white middle class and those living in "other America," factors such as systemic racism, unequal educational and job opportunities, and differentials in access to health care and housing played a significant role. This increasing gap highlighted the need for companies to address social responsibility and often led to private sector initiatives aimed at community development and support for social justice.
During the 1920s, the U.S. witnessed further cultural reflections of political concerns through new forms of culture, including the Harlem Renaissance, which represented a flourishing of African American art, music, and literature that both celebrated and critiqued the American experience.