The Damned and the Beautiful: American Youth in the 1920's by Paula Fass delves into the social and cultural climate of middle-class American youth in the 1920s. Fass observes the multidimensional dynamics of post-World War II society as citizens adapt to pertinent issues such as industrialization, Prohibition, and immigration. In the midst of the ongoing social, political and economic issues of the early 20th century, young people played an active role in contemporary life. Adolescents responded to the problems by changing their habits, behaviors and points of view. Their responses became evident in the public environment, and American culture evolved. The transformation of American culture has been led by young people who have questioned and gone against the cultural norms of past generations. Social changes were visible through family, education, socialization, fashion, style, dating, and sexuality. Internal changes within family units occurred during the Roaring Twenties. In contrast to the Victorian family, characterized by a hierarchical structure and rigid social roles, a new idea of ​​the compassionate family was born. Husbands and wives as well as parents and children shared more emotional relationships. Furthermore, the family unit and social institutions were becoming increasingly separate spheres. The family remained personal, while the social environments were impersonal. The notion of the loving family framed the emergence of demographic changes. The birth rate has decreased and life expectancy has increased. From 1900 to 1930, the average age of American citizens increased from 22.9 to 26.5 (58). The youth population aged 15 to 24 has decreased. Therefore, there was a higher adult-to-youth ratio and more caregivers available to supervise children. Consequently or... half of the paper... table. Young women had to be careful about their behavior as they did not want to be labeled “fast” (267). It was a social norm for young men and women to participate in petting. Petting included a wide range of physical contact, ranging from kissing to caressing. A survey revealed that 92% of women have caressed themselves at least once in their life (266). Cuddling parties were held often, and women gained popularity by participating in cuddling. Relationships between married couples were tolerable in part because women felt secure in their role as future wives. In conclusion, The Damned and the Beautiful: American Youth in the 1920's is a novel that describes several elements that were changed in the Roaring Twenties. Family, education, socializing, fashion, style, dating and sexuality were redefined. Young people have challenged the cultural norms of the past and have had an impact on modern society.