Homeward Bound (Revised Edition)

When "Homeward Bound" was published in 1988, it significantly reshaped perceptions of Cold War-era America. Previously, the era following World War II had been viewed as a period when Americans distanced themselves from political engagement, choosing instead to bask in the newfound tranquility and prosperity after years of war and economic hardship. During this time, leaders were seen as primarily concerned with the looming Soviet threat and the challenges of the Atomic Age. "Homeward Bound" contested the notion of a solely private, apolitical sphere, revealing how the Atomic Age and Cold War deeply permeated all facets of American life, from corporate settings to intimate personal spaces.Elaine Tyler May posits that the nation's foreign policy of "containment" towards the Soviet Union had a parallel within domestic life. The impending threats of the day—nuclear conflict, communist infiltration, consumerism, sexual liberation, and women's rights—were to be managed within the confines of the family. The family unit thus became the epicenter for achieving dreams of security and a fulfilling life amidst global uncertainty. This idea of "domestic containment" has since become the prevailing interpretation of the era, and "Homeward Bound" is now regarded as a seminal work.This edition of the book offers an updated introduction and a new epilogue, exploring how the Cold War’s fixation on personal and familial security continues to influence current times.