Nostalgia makes the past seem perfect, but Britain has come a long way since the 1970s, thank goodness.
While admittedly, some things may have changed for the worse, many aspects of life have actually improved. The standard of living is a lot better than it used to be for most people, even if it doesn’t always feel like it at times — and that’s just for starters. Here are just a few reasons Britain is better now than it was back then. We definitely have major room for improvement, but we should still be giving credit where it’s due, don’t you think?
1. The quality of homes is much higher.
In the 1970s, British homes were often cold, damp, and poorly insulated. Central heating wasn’t a given, and many houses relied on inefficient gas fires or storage heaters. Double glazing was a luxury rather than the standard, meaning homes lost heat quickly and were often draughty. Fast-forward to today, and homes are generally warmer, better insulated, and more energy efficient. Building regulations have improved massively, ensuring new homes meet higher safety and comfort standards. While house prices have soared, the quality of housing has also risen, making daily life much more comfortable for most people. (Just make sure you get the snagging done on those new builds — they can be terrible!)
2. Technology has transformed everyday life.
In the 1970s, the idea of having instant access to information, entertainment, and communication from a device in your pocket was pure science fiction. Most homes had one landline, TVs were limited to a few channels, and if you needed to look something up, you had to go to the library. Now, smartphones, the internet, and streaming services have completely changed how we live. Keeping in touch with family and friends is easier than ever, and access to news, entertainment, and education is at our fingertips. Whether it’s online banking, video calls, or ordering food with a few taps, technology has made life more convenient in countless ways.
3. Public attitudes towards equality have improved.
The 1970s were a time of casual sexism, racism, and discrimination being widely accepted in workplaces, schools, and the media. Women were expected to quit work once they had children, LGBTQIA+ rights were barely acknowledged, and racism was openly displayed in many aspects of daily life. Today, while things aren’t perfect, progress has been significant. Women have more opportunities, gay rights are legally protected (well, to a degree), and discrimination is less tolerated. Representation in the media and workplaces has improved, and there’s a greater awareness of the importance of equality and inclusion across society.
4. The variety of food is far better.
In the 1970s, British food was famously dull. Meat and two veg dominated dinner plates, and choices were limited when it came to eating out. Pasta was considered exotic, and ingredients like avocados, olive oil, and fresh herbs weren’t found in most homes. Today, supermarkets and restaurants offer food from all over the world. Whether it’s sushi, Thai curries, or authentic Italian pasta, there’s a huge variety of flavours available. Home cooking has also evolved, with people experimenting more with global cuisines, thanks to easier access to fresh ingredients and online recipes.
5. Air pollution is significantly lower.
Back in the 1970s, thick smog and visible air pollution were common, especially in big cities. Factories and coal fires pumped out fumes, and leaded petrol was still in use, releasing harmful chemicals into the air. Public health suffered as a result, with respiratory issues and smog-related illnesses being more widespread. Today, while pollution hasn’t disappeared entirely, it has improved dramatically. The Clean Air Acts, the phasing out of leaded petrol, and tighter emissions regulations have all contributed to cleaner air. The rise of electric vehicles and low-emission zones in cities means further improvements are on the way.
6. Public transport is safer and more reliable.
In the 1970s, public transport was often unreliable, unsafe, and uncomfortable. Trains were outdated, many buses were poorly maintained, and the London Underground still allowed smoking, making journeys unpleasant. Safety measures were also far less strict, with no automatic doors on trains and few security cameras. Today, public transport is cleaner, more modern, and significantly safer. Trains and buses are equipped with better technology, contactless payments have made travel easier, and most major services have improved accessibility for those with disabilities. While delays can still be frustrating, transport networks are far more advanced than they were decades ago.
7. Medicine and healthcare have advanced.
Medical knowledge in the 1970s was far behind where it is now. Many conditions that are now treatable or preventable were poorly understood back then, and cancer survival rates were much lower. Mental health issues were often dismissed, and access to care was limited for many people. Today, treatments for diseases like cancer, heart disease, and diabetes have improved enormously. The NHS has its challenges, but medical technology, life expectancy, and access to mental health support have all advanced significantly. Vaccines, early detection screenings, and improved surgical techniques mean better outcomes for countless people.
8. Cars are much safer and more efficient.
In the 1970s, seat belts weren’t even a legal requirement, airbags didn’t exist, and cars had a reputation for being death traps in accidents. Drink-driving was far more common, and there were far fewer safety regulations in place to protect drivers and passengers. Modern cars come with advanced safety features like airbags, ABS brakes, and crash protection that simply didn’t exist back then. Stricter laws around drink-driving and speed limits have made roads safer, while electric and hybrid cars are helping to cut emissions and reduce fuel costs.
9. Workplace rights and protections are stronger.
Workplace conditions in the 1970s were far less regulated, with many employees working long hours for low pay. Maternity leave was limited, job security was lower, and health and safety rules weren’t always taken seriously, leading to more workplace accidents. Today, there are stronger protections in place for workers, including better maternity rights, fairer wages, and laws preventing unfair dismissal. Flexible working arrangements and remote working options are also more common, giving people more control over their work-life balance.
10. Entertainment options have exploded.
Source: Unsplash In the 1970s, entertainment choices were limited. There were only a few TV channels, no streaming services, and cinemas played fewer films. If you missed a show, you had to wait for a repeat or hope someone recorded it on VHS, if they even had one. Now, the entertainment industry is unrecognisable. Streaming services, YouTube, podcasts, and gaming have created endless options. Whether it’s binge-watching a series, discovering niche music, or accessing global content instantly, entertainment is more diverse and accessible than ever.
11. Holidays abroad are more affordable.
In the 1970s, foreign holidays were a luxury that few could afford. Flights were expensive, and budget travel options were limited. Most families stuck to UK seaside resorts or caravan holidays rather than jetting off to sunny destinations. Now, budget airlines and package holidays have made travelling abroad much more accessible. While prices can still be high during peak times, deals and discounts mean more people can experience destinations that would have once been out of reach.
12. Education opportunities have expanded.
Higher education in the 1970s was far less accessible, with fewer universities and limited financial support for students. Many people left school at 16, and opportunities for further study were often restricted by background and income. Today, more people have access to university, apprenticeships, and online learning. While student debt is a concern, education is no longer just for the privileged few. The internet has also revolutionised learning, making information and skills development easier than ever.
13. Smoking rates have plummeted.
In the 1970s, smoking was everywhere — on public transport, in offices, and even in hospitals. Cigarettes were cheap, advertising was widespread, and there was far less awareness of the health risks. Now, smoking rates have fallen dramatically thanks to stricter laws, public health campaigns, and the rise of vaping as an alternative. Smoking bans in public places have made the air cleaner, and fewer people are taking up the habit in the first place.
14. LGBTQIA+ rights are legally recognised.
Source: Unsplash In the 1970s, being openly queer was far more difficult, with discrimination being common and legal protections almost non-existent. Same-sex relationships were still widely stigmatised, and there were no laws against discrimination based on sexuality. Today, same-sex marriage is legal, LGBTQIA+ people have workplace protections, and public attitudes have shifted significantly. While there’s still work to do, society has become far more accepting and inclusive than it was 50 years ago.
