It’s hard to believe that the hippie movement of the 1960s and 70s is still relevant today. But it is. If you look closely, you can see how their ideals have shaped modern society. From free love to embracing diversity and challenging traditional gender roles, the hippies changed social norms for a generation and beyond. Let’s take a closer look at how their influence is still present in our everyday lives.
by David Stone
The Sexual Revolution
One of the most profound changes that came out of the hippie movement was a shift toward sexual freedom. The idea of “free love” gained traction during this time as people challenged traditional notions of monogamy and fidelity.
That led to a new emphasis on personal autonomy and freedom when it comes to sexuality. It paved the way for increased acceptance of different types of relationships such as polyamory, open relationships and non-monogamous partnerships.
Five great hippie books take you away to another time
Gender Equality in the Hippie Movement
The hippies also sparked an important conversation around gender equality. In particular, they questioned rigid gender roles placed on both men and women by previous generations.
This helped create an environment in which both genders could explore their individual identities without fear or judgment from those around them.
The result was a greater sense of self-expression among individuals regardless of gender – something we are still exploring today as more people embrace non-binary gender identities outside of the traditional male/female binary system.
Environmental Awareness
Finally, there can be no denying that one of the main legacies left behind by the hippie movement was increased awareness about environmental issues.
The hippies embraced simplicity, sustainability, and conservationism as core tenets of their lifestyle – something that we are now seeing much more widely adopted across society today as people become increasingly conscious about their impact on the planet.
From organic farming practices to eco-friendly products, these ideas have become part and parcel of our daily lives thanks in large part to the influence of the hippies decades ago!
Closing: The Hippie Movement Changed Social Norms
The hippie movement had a huge impact on society that still reverberates today – from increased acceptance of alternative lifestyles to greater environmental awareness – its influence is undeniable.
We owe much to this group for standing up for what they believed in and challenging traditional social norms… Those groovy peace-loving hippies…
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