To what extent was there social and cultural change in West Germany between 1949 and 1989?

Candidates will consider the merits or otherwise of the suggestion that German society and culture may have been altered by the experiences of occupation and division. Candidates must focus on social and cultural changes and not political changes. Areas to consider may include the impact of foreign occupation on cultural identity (for example, Americanization) or the impact of immigration (Gastarbeiter) on population demographics. The changing role of women in society and its impact on family life and employment conditions, as well as social attitudes, may be a key area for consideration. There may be some comment on the extent to which traditional institutions such as the Church (of either denomination) retained influence on family life and education, and whether there was any significant change in social structure (by examining the influence of elites on politics and the economy).