Who were the people excluded from the postwar boom, and why were they left out?

The postwar boom, often referred to as the "Golden Age of Capitalism," occurred in the Western world, especially in the United States and Western Europe, from the end of World War II until the 1970s. While the postwar period was characterized by rapid economic growth, low unemployment, and rising standards of living for many, certain groups were excluded from the prosperity of this era. These groups included:

1. Racial and ethnic minorities: In the United States, despite the booming economy, African Americans and other minorities were often discriminated against in terms of employment, education, and housing due to systemic racism. Segregation laws and practices, such as redlining, prevented many from accessing the same opportunities and neighborhoods as whites, thus excluding them from many of the economic benefits of the time.

2. Women: Although World War II had brought many women into the workforce, the postwar period saw a push for women to return to traditional domestic roles. This meant that they had limited opportunities for advancement and were often paid less than men for similar work.

3. Immigrants: While the postwar era saw a need for labor, which led to immigration, many of these newcomers faced prejudice and were often relegated to lower-paying, less stable jobs. They also faced barriers to accessing social programs that were available to native-born citizens.

4. The elderly: Before the widespread establishment of social security systems and public pensions, the elderly could be vulnerable to economic downturns. Without adequate safety nets, older individuals who could no longer work were often left in poverty.

5. Disabled individuals: People with disabilities were often excluded from the workforce and faced significant barriers in society. There were few laws or regulations to protect their rights or ensure their inclusion in the economic boom.

6. Rural populations: Economic growth was often concentrated in urban areas with industrial or technological jobs. Rural areas, particularly in agriculture, did not always benefit equally from the economic growth and sometimes experienced decline.

It's important to note that the exclusion of these groups was not universal and varied by country. Some Western European countries had more robust social safety nets and policies that aimed to include more of their populations in the postwar prosperity.