Answer:
During the 1950s and 1960s, the American economy was experiencing a period of growth and prosperity. The country was recovering from World War II and there was a high demand for consumer goods such as automobiles. This created a need for workers in the manufacturing sector, and many Americans were able to find well-paying jobs in automobile factories.
However, by the 1970s, the American economy had undergone significant changes. One of the most significant changes was the rise of global competition. As other countries began to develop their manufacturing industries, American companies faced competition from cheaper foreign labor. This led to a decline in domestic manufacturing and a shift towards service-based industries.
Another significant change was the increasing use of automation and technology in manufacturing. This led to increased efficiency and reduced the need for manual labor. This meant that fewer workers were needed to produce goods, which led to downsizing and job losses in the manufacturing sector.
Additionally, the decline of labor unions and the weakening of worker protections contributed to the decline of factory jobs. Without strong bargaining power, workers were unable to negotiate for higher wages and better working conditions.
Overall, these factors led to a decrease in the number of high-paying factory jobs in America, making it more difficult for workers to make a comfortable living in this sector.