Whilst the 60's was a time of freedom and colour for Britain, by the 70's household time saving technology meant it was a decade of change. Whilst women were being presented with more freedoms and independence, their was still inequality. Women were still thought of as the main caregiver in the home, despite many working full time jobs as well. Second-wave feminism dominated discourse about women's role in society, contrasted by arguments about whether sexually liberating industries such as topless modelling and sex-work were actually a positive step towards equality.
The 70's also brought along a drastic economic crisis in the early years, meaning major unemployment for many of the countries young people and the public services. Numerous major strikes followed, protests and trade unions fought to reach an agreement with successions of weak governments. The three day working week was implemented to conserve electricity lost by striking coal miners. The unrest bred confrontations with and distrust of the police and police racism was rife, causing even greater societal divides. By the end of the decade, civil rights riots were sweeping urban britain, mainly between National Front and organised anti-facism committees.
Divergence was ripe and punk culture was born from a disdain towards the established order. New political parties were formed with sustainability and ecological care at the forefront of their ideals. However, many also argued that party politics was what was breaking the country and radical new ideals about life began to take precedence - communes, living hand to mouth without government or societal norms.
Polarised politics also brought a large number of extreme protests by the likes of the IRA and the Angry Brigade. Although mostly forgotten to the history books, the Angry Brigade committed a series of bomb attacks - abstract idealogy and a feeling of disenchanment with politics reflected the harsh socio-economic climate of the 70's.
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