The 1980s were decades of doing everything in excess, be it big hair, neon colors, or a booming economy. But beneath the glitz and glamour lurked social norms that would raise eyebrows (and hackles) in today’s world. Let’s take a trip down memory lane and explore some practices that would be wildly outrageous by today’s standards.
Smoking In Public Places
Smoking indoors was frequent in public spaces such as restaurants, offices, and airplanes. Smokers freely lit up in enclosed areas, subjecting non-smokers to secondhand smoke without much objection. Minimal regulations to curb indoor smoking reflected a societal indifference to its health risks. Comprehensive smoking bans protect public health by restricting smoking to designated areas.
Rigid Gender Roles
Back in the day, the workplace was a different ball game. Gender roles were much more rigid, with men expected to be the breadwinners and women often facing disapproval for pursuing careers. Thankfully, times have changed, and now the professional environment embraces gender equality, with both men and women encouraged to achieve their career goals.
Casual Workplace Harassment
Workplace harassment, including sexual harassment, was often overlooked or dismissed as part of the corporate culture. Women and minorities frequently faced inappropriate comments and behavior without avenues for recourse. The lack of proper legal protections and societal awareness allowed such conduct to persist unchecked.
Limited Parental Leave
Many mothers in the 80s faced the difficult choice of returning to work shortly after childbirth due to a lack of parental leave options. Therefore, it burdened new mothers and limited their ability to bond with their newborns. The Family and Medical Leave Act of 1993 established baseline parental leave standards, allowing mothers and fathers to take unpaid leave to care for newborns or sick family members.
TV As The Only Form Of Entertainment
During the 1980s, flipping on the TV was the only way to have fun at home. Today, while TV is still around, other games are in town. Services like the internet, OTT platforms, and social media have exploded in popularity, giving us several new ways to entertain ourselves.
Drink And Drive
Getting behind the wheel after a few drinks was a minor deal for many people. If one did get caught, the punishments were weak compared to now. Fortunately, times have changed, and now there’s no excuse—society has a zero-tolerance policy because everyone knows how deadly it can be.
Lack Of Environmental Empathy
Remember the ubiquitous plastic bags and single-use disposable items? Few were worried about the environment, and recycling programs were getting off the ground. Fast forward to today, and sustainability is a top priority for many. People are conscious of their environmental impact, opting for reusable alternatives and supporting eco-friendly businesses.
Physical Punishment In School
Gone are the days when corporal punishment, paddling with a ruler, was a disciplinary method used in many schools. Earlier, the focus was on obedience achieved through fear, with little emphasis on understanding or positive reinforcement. In present times, a shift towards restorative justice and positive behavioral interventions has replaced these methods.
Stigma Of Divorce
Splitting up was more challenging. Even though divorce was happening more often, there was still social pressure to stay married, no matter what. Nowadays, things are different. Society is much more accepting of divorce as a reality for couples who can’t make things work. There’s less judgment and more understanding that sometimes going your separate ways is the best choice.
Child Passenger Safety
Many children traveled unrestrained, standing up or on laps during long trips. Car seats and booster seats weren’t widely used or required by law. Thankfully, with time, parents have become aware of how essential these seats are for protecting their kids in a crash.
No Seatbelts
Cruising down the highway without a seatbelt was a common sight due to laxity in proper regulations against it. Nonetheless, the growing incidents of traffic fatalities have changed everyone’s opinion. Thanks to various policies implemented by the state, things have changed over time. Modern cars also have advanced safety features, further enhancing passenger protection.
Following A Linear Career Path
Nowadays, things are more flexible as people often change careers throughout their lives, and there are even new ways to work, like the gig economy, that offer more freedom and less commitment. But it wasn’t the same always, and in the 80s decade, picking a career path was like picking a lane on the highway—you stuck to it forever!
Limited Internet Access
Dial-up connections offered agonizingly slow speeds, and information wasn’t readily accessible at our fingertips. Fortunately, the internet has become an indispensable tool due to technological advancements. High-speed connections allow instant communication, access to a vast library of information, and many online services that streamline daily life.
Gender Stereotypes In Toys
Marketing strategies and advertisements reinforced traditional gender roles and limited children’s play options based on their gender. Parents and society largely accepted these norms without question. In recent years, there has been a concerted effort to challenge these stereotypes and promote gender-neutral toys.
Tanning Beds Galore
Beauty was judged by how deep a tan was, and tanning salons thrived, readily soaking people with UV rays without a second thought. Scientific studies have now raised awareness about the dangers of skin cancer and emphasized the importance of sun protection.
