Loading ...Re your…
“Also the picture that you paint of the good old times was not true for many, most especially white collar workers. They did not have a union to protect them.”
You did not mention what area of the country was depressed in the 40s and 50s. I would be interested to know. I guess a lot depends on the state people live in. I was in manufacturing, (birth of wealth) and not protected by any union. No unions in any sheet metal or machine shop. Unions only in duct shops real estate related.
On long Island there was excessive manufacturing businesses. Shortage of employees. Plenty of over time pay too. It was almost mandatory. You would get “punished” if you refused it and insulted the boss.
In a sense, office workers were simply not worth as much. Not producing anything. They were considered overhead costs, and supported by manufacturing profits. The office workers should have gotten jobs in manufacturing. Not as cushy though. Noise, hot, smelly, get burnt cut, hurt your back etc etc. More fun in the office taking the easy way out.
Watch the Smithsonian Channel. Lately they are showing “America in color”, re the 30s 40s 50s etc. The late forties they said set the stage for prosperity.
Road projects, people buying cars, taking two week vacations, “see the USA in your Chevrolet” Christmas gifts under the tree etc etc etc.