A hairy predicament: The problem with long hair in the 1960s and 1970s

By the mid-1970s long hair worn by much of the American youth evoked little comment and indeed was considered fashionable. But during much of the previous two decades male hair length was a contentious issue that divided the generations. The struggle over hair in many ways epitomized the sixties generation's challenge to authority and their claim to individual rights. During the era, the meaning of long hair changed dramatically from what it was during the fifties. It began as a symbol of youth culture rebellion linked to music. By the latter part of the sixties, however, it became associated with a political and social critique of American society. Quickly, hair length, like bell bottoms and other symbols of youth rebellion became commercialized and meaningless. This paper focuses on the conflict over long hair at educational institutions, in the workplace, including both the military and the traditional workplace, and within popular culture. Finally, a short look at its effect on the barbering industry.

Name thesis:degree_name

MA

Level thesis:degree_level

Thesis

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

History

Year dc:date.available

2006

Author dc:creator

• Herrick, Andrew Robert

Contributors dc:contributor

• Elizabeth Fones-Wolf.
• Kenneth Fones-Wolf
• Steve Zdatny

• American history
• American studies

Identifier

https://researchrepository.wvu.edu/etd/872

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:researchrepository.wvu.edu:etd-1875