Social Values In The 1960's

The correct answer suggests that the reason Mrs Robinson's first/christian name was deliberately omitted is to highlight the societal structure at the time. The use of the title "Mrs" in the convention of that era was to attribute her as someone's wife, which resulted in her identity being overshadowed or diminished.

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Yes, values are fluid and relate often to the society in which people reside. The dominant values are the beliefs and attitudes which the majority of people within that culture view as important or acceptable. It’s a principle, standard or quality considered worthwhile by the majority. An example is that be Benjamin Braddock should be able able to choose his career and maybe not have an individual impose a belief on his freedom of choice. This is opposed by the desire that a parent wants stability and there child to be safe and secure. "The best" which the majority of parents would desire but Ben's individual belief in "polar opposites". His sustantive or belief which challenges this "older" genrational belief if a right to choose his path.

The figure highlighted by Kershaw infers that apart from fidelity issues, Mrs Robinson and Ben’s partnership was a taboo situation to begin with. It can be used to substaniate your view of values in the 1960's

Yes, a growing number of people in a society. for example the womens liberation movement began to change peoples attitude towards working women. This was reflected in the text when Elaine wanted to study at Berkley University and one would presume gain a career and not become a young housewife and mother.

The correct answer explains that the dominant belief in "The Graduate" is the societal expectation that one should be married before having children. This belief is exemplified by Mrs. Robinson being forced to marry her husband due to this expectation. Additionally, the answer mentions another traditional belief in the movie, which is that Ben, the protagonist, is expected to go to college, have a high paid job, get married, and raise children to live happily ever after.

Yes, in the 1960's men were the traditional "bread winners" and the majority of women rasied children. Out of the unrest of the mid to late 1960's women began to feel the effects of inequality. They protested for rights and the attitude altered to one of independance and right to "choose" welled up in the culture. They formed part of the counter-culture.

Mrs Robinson’s character represents societal expectation at the time about a woman’s role in society and that marriage should take place if a pregnancy occurs. Living with a partner was considered by many as living in “Sin” as was having a child out of wed-lock. The belief and as espoused in the vows of any marriage is the attitude that a couple once married will remain faithful and not "sleep" around. The taboo that a relationship shouldn't occur if there's are many years difference in age also prevails. The fact remains that a relationship with the mother of your female friend such as Elaine is viewed as highly immoral.

Oppositional values are values which less (a minority) of people believe in within a culture. For example, a loving and caring supportive family is seen as both desirable and important as opposed to a uncaring or non supportive family. Ben’s parents suggested to him “What are you going to do with your life?” and Mr Robinson suggested he should “Sow a few wild oats”. Ben’s father was clearly in charge and believed that it was acceptable to take a little time off but then the societal expectation and family value of status and working hard should be Ben’s desirable goal. Ben's belief was he didn't place much importance on earning a living or gaining the qualifications needed for his future. This was in opposition to the dominant societal belief of reward for hard work.

The correct answer is that Mrs Robinson's attitude broke the stereotypical attitude and gender role of women in the society at the time because it is the dominant value that women shouldn't make the first move when instigating a relationship with a male. This suggests that Mrs Robinson defied societal norms by taking the initiative in pursuing a relationship with Ben, challenging the traditional gender roles and expectations placed on women.

The main discourse of the of the mid to late 1960's was "cultural change" and the desire for things to be different ie womens rights or human rights driving the anti-war movement. In this period peoples values/beliefs were generated out of the seismic shift and belief that American and other western society were faltering and people (particularly the youth) chose to "Make love and not war". The value of humanity called in to question that of invasion, wars and even a job. The hippy psychedelic counter culture was born. In the words of a lyric from a Bob Dylan song "Get Born". In other words "live a little" and I think you can see why Ben Braddock's persona shifted in the film via the referncing of the " lounging by the pool" scene.

The correct answer suggests that one of the discourses in the movie "The Graduate" is that the younger generation should always respect and embody the values of their elders and society. This means that there is a prevailing belief in the movie that young people should conform to societal norms and traditions, and not question or challenge authority. This discourse is depicted through the character of Ben, who rebels against conformity and societal expectations, causing a shift in the beliefs and attitudes of the younger generation.