18 Everyday ’70s Habits That Would Be Unthinkable Now
The 1970s were a time of bold style, cultural change, and habits that would seem outrageous today. Back then, people lived without modern conveniences or the awareness we take for granted now.
What seemed completely normal then might raise eyebrows—or even alarm—if done today. From parenting practices to workplace norms, the world was a very different place.
Here are 18 things from the ’70s that would leave today’s generation in shock.
Smoking Everywhere
In the 1970s, smoking wasn’t just allowed in restaurants and offices—it was expected. Airplanes, movie theaters, and even hospitals had no-smoking sections that barely separated smokers from non-smokers.
The dangers of secondhand smoke weren’t widely recognized, so lighting up anywhere was perfectly normal.
No Seat Belts Required
Seat belt laws were non-existent or unenforced in many places, and cars didn’t always come equipped with them. Kids rode in the front seat or even stood in the back of station wagons.
It wasn’t until the late ’70s that awareness campaigns started pushing for seat belt use.
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Hitchhiking Was a Common Practice
Hitchhiking was a popular way to get around, with drivers and hitchhikers alike thinking nothing of it. Safety concerns about picking up strangers hadn’t yet become mainstream, and it was often seen as an adventurous or practical mode of travel.
Lead Paint and Gasoline Were Everywhere
Homes, toys, and even dishes were coated in lead-based paint. Leaded gasoline was the norm, pumping harmful toxins into the air.
It wasn’t until the late ’70s that the dangers of lead exposure became widely recognized and regulations began.
Kids Played Without Supervision
Parents in the ’70s often let their kids roam freely without checking in. Children played outside all day, riding bikes far from home or exploring unsupervised.
The term “helicopter parenting” was decades away from being coined.
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Casual Workplace Harassment
Workplace behavior in the ’70s was far from today’s standards. Comments, inappropriate jokes, and unwanted advances were often brushed off as normal.
Many industries lacked policies to address harassment, leaving employees with few options.
Minimal Car Safety for Kids
Car seats for children were rare, and even when they were used, they were rudimentary by today’s standards. Babies were often held on laps during car rides, and older kids piled into the backseat without a second thought.
Everyone Trusted Phone Books
The phone book was a household staple, listing people’s full names, addresses, and phone numbers for all to see. Privacy concerns? They didn’t exist.
Everyone trusted that their personal information would be safe in the hands of the community.
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Airline Travel Was Glamorous and Unregulated
Flying in the ’70s was considered luxurious, with passengers dressing up for flights. Security measures were lax, and screening procedures were minimal, making air travel very different from the tightly controlled experience of today.
Discotheques Were Cultural Hubs
The disco craze of the ’70s transformed nightlife, with dance floors packed under glittering disco balls. The energy, fashion, and boldness of the disco era were iconic but would seem over-the-top in today’s nightlife scene.
Paying Everything in Cash
Credit cards were still gaining popularity in the ’70s, so cash was king. People carried large amounts of money for big purchases or relied on personal checks, which could lead to slow, awkward transactions.
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Television Had Limited Options
Cable TV was in its infancy, so most households relied on just three or four major networks. Prime-time television was a shared experience, and programming ended late at night with a test pattern or static.
Energy Crises Changed Habits
The oil embargoes of the ’70s led to gas shortages and long lines at fuel stations. People turned down thermostats, wore sweaters indoors, and even adopted carpooling to save fuel, all in response to the energy crisis.
Bell-Bottoms Were a Wardrobe Staple
Fashion in the ’70s was loud and expressive, with bell-bottom pants, platform shoes, and polyester suits dominating wardrobes. What seems like a costume today was once everyday attire.
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Phone Calls Were Always on Landlines
Cell phones didn’t exist, so all communication happened through landline phones, often rotary ones. Long-distance calls were expensive, so conversations were planned and brief.
Corporal Punishment in Schools
Spanking or paddling students was a common disciplinary practice in many schools. Parents rarely questioned it, and it was often seen as an effective way to maintain order in classrooms.
Milk Was Delivered to Your Door
In many neighborhoods, milkmen still delivered fresh milk in glass bottles to doorsteps. This practice was fading by the late ’70s but was still a nostalgic remnant of earlier decades.
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Waterbeds Were a Must-Have Trend
Waterbeds were considered the height of cool in the ’70s, marketed as both luxurious and therapeutic. While they were a novelty back then, their impracticality has made them virtually extinct today.
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