Class Acts: Young Men and the Rise of Lifestyle
From the 1950s to the 1990s, young men used style to rebel, from 50s greasers to 90s hip hop kids. Lifestyle marketers coopted these acts, disconnecting class identity from material reality. Class Acts shows how social critique became another product to be bought. The book will appeal to scholars and other readers who are interested in American cultural history, youth culture, fashion, and style.
Praise for Class Acts
“In this lively and insightful book, Mary Rizzo casts a keen eye on a group rarely examined in terms of style and social class: young men. A great read on a fascinating topic.”
Elaine Tyler May
Author of Homeward Bound: American Families in the Cold War Era
"Class Acts is a fascinating romp through a half century of style, fashion and popular culture. Brilliantly conceived, bristling with intelligence and analysis.”
William Graebner
author of Patty’s Got a Gun: Patricia Hearst in 1970s America
Public Talks and Media
Recent talks include, “Clothes Make the Man: Rebellious Fashion from 1950-2000,” at East Jersey Olde Town Village. Contact Mary Rizzo at mrizzonj@gmail.com to arrange a talk on fashion history, gender studies, and advertising history.
For more on gender and fashion, see “Runway Revolution: Can We Tie Unisex Fashion to Gender Equality,” on CNN Style.