1920s consumer culture
What is it? What could it be
used for?
List some appliances or
products you use everyday
Installment plans
• Enabled people to buy goods over an extended period,
without having to put down much money at the time of
purchase.
• Banks provided the money at low interest rates
• Advertisers pushed the installment plan with slogans like
“you furnish the girl, we’ll furnish the home” and “enjoy
while you pay”
• Some economists and business owners worried that
installment or credit buying was getting out of hand and
was really a sign of weakness in the economy
In Your Opinion – 1920s
• In the 1920s do you think that Americans were more
focused on inner-directed or outer – directed
characteristics? Support your response with
examples.
• Compare the 1920s ads with ads you see today.
What is similar or different about the way products
are presented to consumers?