Protest, conformity and culture: New Zealand youth in the Aquarian age, 1960-1975

Abstract

The purpose of this thesis is to investigate the role of the media in the Americanisation of New Zealand youth sub-cultures during the 1960s. It will explore the impact of commercial television programming in New Zealand during the 1960s in exposing New Zealand youth to American culture on a scale not previously known or achievable. It will examine the ways that consumer products such as fashion, image and style, and ideas permeated youth cultures during the 1960s, aiding the development of youth sub-cultures in New Zealand which will be compared to those in Britain and the United States. In addition it will trace the evolution of rock'n roll as specific music styles became identified with youth, and the products of new Hollywood of the 1960s, as these influenced New Zealand growth. The concept of Cultural Imperialism, and more specifically Americanisation will be assessed, as to their relevance to New Zealand youth culture during the 1960s. This will be done by analysing the consumption of television programmes, popular music and film. This analysis will be supplemented by oral histories The thesis will compare foreign cultural influences in the form of consumerism, the development of social and political thought, and actions taken by youth to determine the extent to which Americanisation occurred. The persistence of British tradition and therefore 'Britishness' will also be examined as an alternative to the full blown Americanisation.