In the past half-century, remarkable technological advances and shifting economic conditions have transformed our daily lives. What was once a mark of affluence—a color television, a microwave, or even air conditioning—has become an assumed part of modern living. In the 1970s, many of these products were expensive or rare in the average home. As manufacturing improved and global incomes rose, accessibility skyrocketed, reshaping lifestyles worldwide. Today, we often forget just how privileged we are to enjoy items that, for previous generations, were the stuff of dreams and status.
