Lears’ thematic composition of chapter six of “The Making of a Modern America

The Making of a Modern America: Chapter 6

Disorganized Thematically

The sixth chapter of “The Making of a Modern America” by Lears is definitely disorganized thematically. Notably, the unconnected materials follow authorship tradition and are intended to draw attention to and elaborate on the chapter’s title. This raises the question of whether the chapter includes elements that one might view as a limitation and those that might suggest the idea of liberation.

Limitation: Introducing a Managerial Model

After World War One, the concept of introducing a managerial model to regulate and enforce discipline on office work was arguably constrictive. It’s because, in Lear’s words, not every worker was eager to adapt to the new method. Moreover, a majority of the working-class who were economically deprived and ethnically segregated stood to lose much from the model which was bound to constrain their development. Secondly, the one may consider the revolution against the domesticity in America as an element of limitation. It is because, the revolution was an impediment development of the modern forms of knowledge which categorized experience into specialized discipline, thus enhancing growth and development.

Liberation: The Entertainment Industry

Lear mentions that the entertainment industry grew significantly from 1890 and beyond and that Americans engaged in fun activities. This element portrays freedom by alluding that individuals had overcome economic and social hardship to a point where they would spend some leisure time having fun. He also adds that more people, especially women, finally had the opportunity to take part in spectacular rituals of display. This statement implies that the American society had been tied down by several constraints that inhibited certain individuals from participating in some activities. Therefore, he alludes to the concept of liberation by mentioning that the society had overcome such limitations and that individuals could now do as they wished.

Conclusion

Despite the fact that the materials are not related, Lears brings out the themes of limitation and liberalization in the chapter quite subtly. The elements that expound the themes are; introduction of managerial model to instil discipline on office work, revolution against domesticity, growth of the entertainment industry and individuals’ freedom to take part in various activities.

Bibliography

Lears, Jackson. “Liberation and Limitation.” In Rebirth of a Nation: The Making of Modern America, 222-275. Harper Perennial, 2009.