Das große Ziel: ein kleines Haus

No other form of housing is as popular, as abundant, and yet as controversial as the­ single-family home. Instrumentalized in the pursuit of conservative political goals under the Adenauer governments, the format became a central component of urban planning concepts, providing an increasingly technologized living space that encouraged stereotypical gender roles and patriarchal, heteronormative family ideals. At the same time, the ­ single-family home was depicted as a perfect living space in the media. Drawing on the accessible and vivid "Homestories" featured in the Schöner Wohnen magazine, Das große Ziel: ein kleines Haus investigates the conditions behind the success of the single-family home and takes a critical look at its popularity during Germany’s postwar economic recovery.

• Offers a critical analysis of the single-family home boom in West Germany during the 1960s and 70s
• Explores the media representation of single-family homes as the ideal living arrangement
• Includes background information on the popular home and lifestyle magazine Schöner Wohnen