The 1950s saw major changes in American life and culture. The GI Bill helped veterans afford college and housing, contributing to the post-war baby boom and suburbanization. Families moved to new suburban developments like Levittown, helping popularize the ideal of home ownership. Consumerism and consumer goods also grew dramatically in this period. Teen culture emerged as a distinct phase of life. Strict gender roles were widely promoted as women focused on homemaking and childrearing while men worked as breadwinners. Television played a large role in shaping and broadcasting images of 1950s culture and lifestyle.