Of all that is written and said about the American 1960’s, one thing remains
undisputed - it was a decade of significant change. In fact, change is probably the
most perceivable characteristic historians use to approach the 1960’s as distinct from
those decades surrounding it. Even those too young to have experienced it for
themselves can tell you about the activism, turbulence, reform and eultural diversity
that the decade produced. It is what we read in history books, see on television, and
hear from parents - the 60’s were speeial, different.
For many of those witnessing the approach of the 1960’s, American society
was in need of renovation and Ameriean thought, redirection. Consequently, much of
the literature in the social science in the late 50’s and early 60’s reflected an
eagerness for innovative research, theory and even aetion. The old elothes didn’t fit
anymore, and it was time to tailor a fresh approach to society’s new ehallenges.
One of those challenges was the organizational and sociological implications
of a vast and dominant bureaucracy. The administrative arm of the U.S.
government’s exeeutive branch had certainly gained in size and strength in the
aftermath of the New Deal and World War II legislation. However, many began to
question not only the efficacy and efficiency of bureaucratic product, but also the
moral implications of its goals, values, structure and character. In the I950’s and