Final answer:
In the passage, 'affluent' means having a lot of money or wealth, which is highlighted in the context of 1950s America known as 'The Affluent Society'.
Step-by-step explanation:
The word affluent, as used in the passage, refers to having a great deal of money or wealth. It is especially pertinent in the historical context where the term 'The Affluent Society' is applied to 1950s America. This implies a period of substantial economic growth where many individuals enjoyed increased material wealth. However, it's indicated in the passage that this affluence was not evenly distributed and there remained a significant disparity between the wealthy and the poor.