Final answer:
The widespread ownership of televisions in the 1950s was mainly due to the mass production of affordable TV sets alongside the increased purchasing power of the middle class following the post-World War II economic boom.
Step-by-step explanation:
In the 1950s, the proliferation of televisions in American homes was largely due to the mass production of television sets. This mass production made televisions more affordable for the average consumer, heightening their popularity and leading to a significant increase in television purchases. The post-World War II economic boom, along with the middle class's increase in buying power, propelled this growth. This era saw material goods once considered luxuries become accessible to a broader section of the population, influenced by both mass production lowering costs and the eager consumerism of an affluent society. The GI Bill also encouraged home ownership and education, contributing to a strong middle class with the financial stability to invest in new technologies like television for their homes. By the late 1960s, the vast majority of American households had at least one television, with programming becoming a central part of daily family life.