2. With the increase in unemployment
that was both symptom and cause of
the Great Depression, the question of
what Americans would do with their
increased free time loomed larger and
larger among
sociologists, economists, social
reformers, and government officials.
How could Americans be persuaded to
spend their leisure time on
wholesome recreational activities that
would fortify body, mind, and spirit
instead of on the mindless and
debilitating products of
3. • The Depression saw up to 25% of
America's workforce unemployed
• Coincidentally it also saw the rise
in mass entertainments such as
the cinema, dance halls and
bars, the end of Prohibition and
the repeal of the gambling laws.
• Academics, social scientists and
recreation
experts, meantime, looked at how
to encourage quot;properquot; activities
such as reading, arts and
crafts, gardening and folk
entertainment that would be
healthy and morally acceptable.
4.
5. • Organizations such as the
Works Progress
Administration and the
National Youth
Administration promoted
craft workshops, good
housekeeping classes and
encouraged thrift and family
values.
