This document provides information about American culture in the 1980s-1990s based on a class reading. It includes statistics on increasing single parent households, changing family expenditures, and declining dog but rising cat ownership. A survey found swimming and walking were the most popular participation sports for men and women respectively. The document also outlines college students' views on issues and debates around objectionable music. Finally, it contrasts the economic growth of the 1980s with rising debt, inequality, and poverty.

1. THE AMERICAN PEOPLE
Reading British & American Culture
Week 9
Professor Hayashi

2. TODAY’S CLASS
- attendance
- article presentation & DISCUSSION
- facts & figures
- conducting a survey
BREAK
- young people in the U.S.A.
- the richest nation on earth

3. • Facts & Figures About
Americans
Families
- There was an increase in
one parent families
- Most one parent families
were single mothers
1980 1988
Two parent 78.5% 72.7%
One parent
18.4% 23.7%
(mother/child)
One parent (father/child) 3.1% 3.6%

4. Family Expenditure
In 1988, Americans spent:
-more on health
-less on travel
-less on food
-slightly more on housing
-slightly less on clothing
-more on recreational goods
-the same on miscellaneous

5. Pet Ownership
From 1982 – 1989:
- dog ownership dropped
from 40.5% to 36.2%
- cat ownership increased
from 27% to 30%

6. SURVEY SAYS…
Look at Leisure & Sport in the USA
1.The most popular participation sport for men is
swimming. The most popular participation sport
for women is exercise walking.
2.Men and women almost equally enjoy bicycle
riding.
3.Aerobics are more popular for women.
4.Fishing and basketball are more popular for men.

7. HUFS Survey!
In your groups, create a
chart or graph based on
either:
- particpation sports
- spectator sports
- pet ownership
- expenditures
- other
JUST HAVE FUN WITH IT!

8. College Students – pg. 53
Top Concern: environment
New Concern: government hand-gun control
efforts
More Conservative about: drugs and crime
More Liberal about: abortion

9. POP MUSIC – pg. 53
1.Frank Sinatra attacked Rock n’
Roll. Today, rap and heavy
metal are under attack.
2.Florida and Tennessee are two
states considering legislation
against ‘objectionable’ music.
11 other states are considering
legislation.
3.Harris believes that minors
should be able to buy any kind
of music.

10. The Richest Nation on Earth – pg. 54
Positive Changes Negative Changes
- GNP doubled during the 1980’s - GNP doubled through borrowing
- lots of people prospered - national debt tripled
- 20 million new jobs were created - corporate & personal debt soared
- booming international trade is spreading
wealth around the world
- widening gap between rich and poor
- poverty increased
-new jobs were low paid service positions
- USA was the world’s biggest creditor
then largest debtor