The American Dream, a foundational aspect of American cultural ideology, is a multifaceted concept that has captivated the minds and hearts of people both within and outside the United States (Adams, 1931). It is a narrative that promises opportunity, success, and prosperity through hard work, determination, and initiative. Rooted in the Declaration of Independence, which proclaims that "all men are created equal" with the right to "life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness" (Jefferson, 1776), the American Dream is a vision of a society where an individual's birth status does not dictate their destiny and where the socioeconomic ladder is accessible to all.
Historically, the idea of the American Dream has been a beacon of hope for immigrants seeking a better life away from the poverty, oppression, or conflict of their home countries (Jensen, 1981). The late 19th and early 20th centuries saw millions of people making their way to America's shores, dreaming of a land where their hard work would allow them to own property, gain education, and secure a prosperous future for themselves and their children (Reitano, 2009). They believed that America's supposedly classless society was a place where they could write their own story regardless of their past.
As the nation developed, so did the concept of the American Dream. In the post-World War II era, the Dream was often characterized by the idyllic suburban lifestyle: a single-family home with a white picket fence, a car in the driveway, and a stable, well-paying job that supported the family (May, 1988). This image was further reinforced by consumer culture and media representations that emphasized material success as a key element of the Dream (Cohen, 2003). The capacity to earn enough to provide comfortably for one's family was seen as a just reward for hard work and compliance with the social norms of the time.
However, despite its optimistic rhetoric, the accessibility of the American Dream has not been uniform across the board. Minority groups, particularly African Americans, Hispanics, Native Americans, and others, have often faced systemic barriers that have made the climb toward the Dream much steeper (Oliver & Shapiro, 1995). The legacy of slavery, segregation, and discrimination has left indelible marks that continue to challenge the narrative that hard work alone leads to success in America (Coates, 2014). The Civil Rights Movement of the 1960s aimed to confront these inequalities and ensure that the promises of the American Dream were available to everyone, regardless of race (King, 1963). Despite significant progress, the dialogue about equal opportunities and social justice continues to this day, illustrating the Dream's unfulfilled promises for many.
The economic landscape has also played a role in shapingand at times, distortingthe American Dream. The economic booms and busts of the late 20th and early 21st centuries have shown that success is not merely a product of personal effort, but also of the larger economic environment (Krugman, 2009). The Great Recession of 2007-2009, in particular, brought to light stark realities about the concentration of wealth, the stability of middle-class jobs, and the growing concerns about economic mobility and inequality (Stiglitz, 2012).
In a globalized world, where economies are interconnected and the nature of work is ever-changing, the American Dream is also being redefined. The 21st-century economy with its emphasis on technology, higher education, and specialized skills calls for an adaptation of the Dream (Friedman, 2005). There are increasing conversations about what constitutes a fulfilling lifeconversations that question whether material wealth is the sole indicator of success (Schor, 1998). The rising gig economy, the burgeoning entrepreneurial start-up culture, and a heightened awareness of work-life balance reflect a shift in values and aspirations (Botsman, 2013).
Moving forward from this understanding, we see that the personal narratives that frame the American Dream are evolving. In the digital age, social media platforms allow individuals to showcase their own versions of success, often highlighting entrepreneurial ventures, creative pursuits, and lifestyle design that diverges from the traditional 9-to-5 job structure (Rainie & Wellman, 2012). The very definition of success is becoming more subjective, as individual fulfillment can mean vastly different things depending on one's value system, community, and life experiences.
This democratization of the American Dream has empowered some to carve out niches for themselves in a diverse array of fields. There's a rising trend towards social entrepreneurship, where business objectives are intertwined with social change goals, reflecting a desire not only to succeed financially but also to contribute positively to society (Bornstein, 2007). For some, the Dream has shifted from acquiring wealth to making an impact, whether that be through environmental conservation, educational reform, or other forms of activism.
Moreover, the conversation about the Dream must also include the recognition of a changing family dynamic in America. The traditional nuclear family model, which was once integral to the Dream, is no longer the sole aspiration. Today, there are various family structures including single-parent households, child-free couples, blended families, and same-sex parents. With these shifts, the pursuit of the American Dream also takes on different dimensions concerning work flexibility, childcare, and family leave policies.
Critically, there's an emerging awareness that the American...…education, healthcare, and social support networksplay an integral role in determining one's ability to ascend the socioeconomic ladder (Putnam, 2015).
Another aspect of the American Dream that is currently being re-examined is the role of government and public policy in facilitating or hindering the pursuit of prosperity. Debates around minimum wage laws, universal healthcare, tax policy, and social welfare programs reflect divergent views on the balance between personal responsibility and societal support in achieving the Dream (Reich, 2012).
Amid these changing notions, the essence of the American Dream is undergoing a redefinition. It's increasingly about personal fulfillment, community engagement, and achieving a sense of purpose. The narrative of success is no longer one-size-fits-all but is instead crafted by each individual based on their circumstances, opportunities, and aspirations.
Moral Realism vs. Moral Relativism Philosophers have argued the merits or existence of moral realism and moral relativism for some time. Generally, the argument is designed as an either or proposition, where only one argument can be true. This is not necessarily true when one takes the time to explore what is meant by moral realism vs. moral relativism (Streitfeld). Essentially, moral realism is an objective view while moral realism is
Then morality is relative, not absolute (Kreeft) Weaknesses One weakness of moral relativism consists of the consequences of not having moral constraints (Kreeft 2003). Correct or good morality, if valid, should always have good consequences. Incorrect or bad morality should always have bad consequences. The fact is that all wrong or immoral acts and attitudes bring on "good" or pleasant feelings. Moral relativism has never produced people worthy of praise. It
Rule-breakers received swift punishment. Deviation from the norm was not tolerated by law or by social convention. Just because a moral standard helps create a stable society does not mean that moral standard is just, good, or right. Finally, the use of coercion itself denotes an unnatural moral standard. It takes relatively little coercion to ensure that most people don't murder or steal. Most children internalize the types of
Similarly, when a member of society becomes too feeble to contribute, leaving them in the snow is deemed the proper solution. Both practices are deemed proper, as they increase the survival chances of the tribe as a whole. Thus, while another society may cringe at the idea of infanticide and leaving the elderly to die, Eskimo societies see the survival of the tribe as the paramount concern. There are many
Pollack. There has to be a time when people are willing to stand for what is right and in their beliefs. Unfortunately, time has proven that great losses come from standing behind a belief system or truth that is not held by all individuals involved. Conclusively, one would feel that punishment and lose is the payment for stepping out of the box, and pointing out errors, indiscretions etc. The
Relativism n "Some Moral Minima," Lenn Goodman argues things simply wrong. Do Goodman ? Using specific examples, explore challenges Goodman presents relativism. Determine universal moral requirements, defend answer. Moral minima: Goodman's arguments against relativism Given the increasing globalization of modern society, combined with the influence of postmodernism, the philosophy of moral relativism has become increasingly popular and accepted within the academy. However, according to Lenn E. Goodman's essay "Some moral minima," some things
Our semester plans gives you unlimited, unrestricted access to our entire library of resources —writing tools, guides, example essays, tutorials, class notes, and more.
Get Started Now