Portraits of Suburbia

The suburbs have historically been a place to search for the good life, and Connecticut is a state where most of the residents are, in fact, living a suburban lifestyle. In the 25 years following World War II, unprecedented numbers of working and middle class urban dwellers moved to the suburbs, essentially transforming Connecticut from an urban/rural state to an urban/suburban state. The suburban lifestyle is best reflected by homeownership in a nice neighborhood with good schools and a better quality of life, which is often accompanied by a commute into town or the city to work. As the suburbs have grown and changed over the years, however, its residents have experienced certain negative side effects to suburban living, making one wonder whether they are really living the “good life” in suburban Connecticut.

Readings:

The Man in the Gray Flannel Suit, Sloan Wilson

Revolutionary Road, Richard Yates

The Ice Storm, Rick Moody

Human Capital, Stephen Amidon

*Video – Suburbia