Sex and Women in Popular Culture

As popular culture began to emerge throughout American society, new views of sexuality and relationships began to abound. The rise of consumer culture and advertising go hand in hand, and as the two phenomenon worked together, a new view of buying, as well as sexuality, was created. The years after World War II introduced a new American sentiment and popular culture mimicked these feelings. Films began to offer more realistic plotlines, books incorporated sex into their stories and marketing, and advertising began to take a more sensual tone. The introduction of sex into popular culture during this time period offered its consumers a new view on sexual politics, and although it seems as if the emerging consumer culture did not target them directly, the country’s youth took a strong hold on the market. This large demographic took the messages of popular culture to heart; their views of sexuality shifted with consumer culture to spark the beginning of the sexual revolution.
Prior to and during World War II, sex did appear in America’s culture, but it was significantly repressed. “Behind-the-counter” publications appeared in saloons and barbershops and pictures pin-up girls were passed around army barracks, but most of society never acknowledged their presence. Film offered sexual undertones throughout this time, but these sexual suggestions were usually so discreet that they became difficult to decipher. Sex was hidden from the majority of society, and especially from the youth.