The recession has undoubtedly shifted a lot of paradigms lately, and I think all would agree that it's gotten Americans to sit up and take notice-- both individually (challenging their own habits of consumption and saving) and societally (coping with cracks in the safety net system).  The New York Times has taken notice, as well-- two articles in this weekend's Times merit mention.

The first (Shift From Spending to Saving May Be Downturn's Lasting Impact) highlights the re-emergence of a culture of thrift-- and indicates that, unlike past recessions, it's here to stay for a while: