Final answer:
In 1954, a significant entity proposed that Dowd work exclusively for them. This would have been indicative of the era's focus on the personalization of executive roles and centralization of policy-making, as well as the broader context of post-WWII America grappling with labor and social reform issues.
Step-by-step explanation:
In 1954, an influential figure or organization proposed that Dowd work exclusively for them, shifting his career trajectory significantly. To understand this historic moment, we should consider the broader context of the time period. The 1950s were an era of significant change in American society, marked by the aftermath of World War II and the onset of the Cold War. It was a time when the U.S. economy was transitioning from wartime production to peacetime endeavors, and the government was grappling with issues related to labor, social welfare, and civil rights.
The individuals mentioned in the reference information—Molly Dewson, Frances Perkins, and poet James Dickey—played pivotal roles in their respective fields during the early to mid-twentieth century. Dewson's work with the Social Security Board and Perkins' tenure as the U.S. Secretary of Labor exemplify the era's efforts to implement social reforms and respond to the changing needs of the workforce. While Dickey's decision to leave advertising for literature demonstrates the cultural shift toward personal fulfillment over corporate loyalty.
While the specific entity that proposed Dowd work exclusively for them is not mentioned in the reference information provided, we can infer that this offer would have come from a significant player in either the political or commercial landscape of the 1950s, reflecting the centralization of policy-making and the growing personalization of chief executives as pointed out by Dowding. Such a proposition would align with the era's trend toward securing key advisers, experts, and communicators in exclusive roles to influence public policy or corporate strategies.