Were the "good old days" really better, or are we just programmed to look back fondly at the past, thinking life was so much better back then?
I grew up in the 1950s, and I know I tend to look back nostalgically at that decade, and at times find comfort in that.
While the past may seem to have been simpler and more carefree when viewed through the lens of nostalgia, let’s face it, life has always had its ups and downs, struggles and hardships regardless of the era.
However, when we examine the historical evidence, life in the past was often much harder in many ways, including shorter lifespans and higher child mortality rate; backbreaking manual labour and long work hours with little safety, and discrimination, oppression and lack of rights for women and minorities.
When we romance about the past, we tend to ignore the amazing progress made in technology, science, medicine, human rights and quality of life. Present day offers comforts and opportunities that were unimaginable in my parents' and grandparents’ era. While doing my oral history interviews, I discovered different generations view the "good old days" from their own perspective.
Let us look at a comparison between the 1950s and today to evaluate quality of life.
Food prices have significantly increased from 1954. For example, hot dogs, a childhood favourite, have increased approximately 960 per cent, translating to an average price difference of $48.04 tied to inflation. Overall, food prices have risen by about 3,209 per cent since 1913.
Other staples have suffered the same fate. From 1954 to 2024, the price of milk and eggs has experienced significant inflation. In 1954, the average price for a gallon of milk was approximately 93 cents. By 2024, the price has risen to about $4, marking an increase of around 332 per cent. In 1954, a dozen eggs cost about 84 cents, while in 2024, the price is approximately $3.63, reflecting an increase of about 332 per cent.
You may say wages have increased, as well. We can use the inflation rate to calculate the equivalent income in today's dollars. In 1954, $1 had the same purchasing power as $11.68 today. This means that if your income was $10,000 in 1954, it would be equivalent to $116,800 today, after adjusting for inflation. The average inflation rate from 1954 to 2024 was 3.57 per cent. This means prices have increased by over 10 times during this period. To maintain the same standard of living, incomes would need to rise by a similar factor. However, actual income increases have varied widely by occupation, industry, and location.
Income dynamics from the 1950s to 2024 show significant changes. In the 1950s, a single income often supported a middle-class lifestyle, with lower living costs and fewer educational requirements. However, by 2021, the median income had risen, but the share of middle-class households dropped from 61 per cent in 1971 to 50 per cent in 2021, indicating increased income inequality and a growing lower-income tier among those without a college degree.
Overall, while real incomes have increased, the economic landscape has shifted, reflecting broader social and educational trends. I will leave the question of whether we are better off financially today than in the 1950s.
Of course, there have been technological advancements and changes in consumer preferences over the decades. I thought it may be interesting to look at the telephone as an example. The number of telephones in Canada has significantly evolved from 1954 to 2024.
In 1954, there were approximately 3.6 million telephones in Canada. By 2024, the number of mobile phone subscriptions is projected to reach around 39.2 million, reflecting the shift toward mobile technology and smartphones, which have become the primary means of communication.
While the 1950s are often romanticized as a "golden age," a closer look at the data reveals that the average Canadian is actually better off today in many ways. Infant mortality has dropped from 30 per 1,000 births in the 1950s to only six per 1,000 today. Life expectancy has increased from 69 years in the 1950s to 79 years today. Diseases like polio and measles that plagued the 1950s have been largely eradicated.
How about our standard of living? The National GDP per capita is about 16 times higher now than in 1960 and the "time cost" of purchasing 11 basic household appliances has decreased by 81 per cent compared to 1959. Our purchasing power for the average worker is significantly higher today.
While sexism and inequality still exist, women and minorities have made huge strides in equality since the 1950s. Homosexuality is no longer illegal, and LGBTQ+ rights have advanced.
While the 1950s had some positive aspects, the data shows that overall, the average Canadian enjoys better health, a higher standard of living, and more social progress today.
Regardless, there common myths about the good old days that persist — that we were happier (nostalgia is selective, focusing on positive experiences while ignoring hardships; that we were safer (crime rates and societal dangers have always existed, but media coverage has increased); we were more moral (overlooking significant social injustices and moral failings of earlier times); that jobs were plentiful and easy to get (unemployment rates were comparable to today's); and food and air quality were better (food safety issues and pollution levels were significant.)
Historical analysis shows many aspects of life have improved over time. While the "good old days" can evoke fond memories and feelings of nostalgia, it's essential to balance these sentiments with a realistic understanding of historical contexts and the benefits of present and future advancements.
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Sources: The 1950s - Better Than Today? - Attitude of Gratitude; Cultural Shift: Women's Roles in the 1950s - YouTube; The Good Old Days - Wikipedia; Were the good old days really that good?; Inflation Calculator; Are we better off today than our grandparents were in the 1950s?; Did real incomes drop significantly since the 1950s?; Prices and Wages by Decade: 1950-1959 - Library Guides; Telephones, The Canadian Encyclopedia; Consumer Price Index, annual average; Smartphone users in Canada, Statista; The myth of 'the good old days' - George Jerjian; 3 Myths of the Good Old Days - HISsparrowBlog; 4 Beliefs About The 'Good' Old Days That Are Full Of Crap | Cracked.com; Impact of History on the Present World - The Camford International School; History Inspires Innovation From Past To The Future - LinkedIn; All people are living histories – which is why History matters; Historical Misconceptions You Probably Still Believe | Trust Me Bro; The Good Old Days: Were They Really So Good? - Suddenly Senior
Newmarket resident Richard MacLeod, the History Hound, has been a local historian for more than 40 years. He writes a weekly feature about our town's history in partnership with Newmarket Today, conducts heritage lectures and walking tours of local interest, and leads local oral history interviews.
