Introduction
Many scholars have analyzed the notion of the American dream (AD). Similarly, the nation has debated the advantages and disadvantages of the assertions offered by AD. For instance, Lamont suggests that AD is an idea that has failed society (661). On the other hand, Wolak and Peterson refer to AD as something that changes by people’s experiences.
Consequently, the two articles are driven by voices that present discussions linked with each other and a larger conversation. Such a connection is based on assessing AD’s role for the public. However, the authors of the two reports seem to disagree on whether AD has a positive influence.
The Concept of the American Dream from Various Perspectives
Nature of the Concept
One can define AD as a vision of a better life, with society believing in it to varying degrees, which can be supported by increasing inequalities and socioeconomic differences. Comprehending AD’s meaning requires considering the view of experts in the field. The writers of the articles mentioned above have similar standings about AD’s initial essence. Lamont indicates that AD can be regarded as a promise of success accessible for all but based on each person’s actions and individual characteristics (664). Wolak and Peterson believe that AD offers a picture of a more pleasing life for someone willing to work for it (2).
The two reports also seem to agree that AD can guide the public. Lamont states that AD has given people a sense of direction toward prosperity (664). Wolak and Peterson note other scholars claiming that AD has motivated citizens to strive for triumph despite obstacles and challenges during difficult times (12). Consequently, the findings from the two articles can be synthesized to define AD as an idea of a better life that can navigate society.
Description of the Concept
Furthermore, one should assess what AD means today to elaborate on its description. For instance, Lamont calls AD a “myth” and an “impossible dream for most – an unfulfillable promise” (665). On the one hand, the researcher suggests that the upper-middle-class cannot enjoy AD’s benefits due to existing under hyper-competition and pressure to succeed. Such troubles appear to be faced primarily by the younger generation (Lamont 671).
On the other hand, individuals from the low-income class do not have enough resources to obtain AD, as stigmatization toward them makes them invisible and powerless (Lamont 676). At the same time, AD celebrates the rich and reinforces their interests (Lamont 673).
In comparison, Wolak and Peterson declare that the “American Dream is a powerful idea shared by most Americans” and can bring diverse groups together (12). The two authors state that faith in AD is based on the public’s ability to attain it and decreases when inequalities increase (Wolak and Peterson 12). Therefore, AD’s definition likely depends on people’s socioeconomic status and imbalances within the nation.
The Relationship with Other Concepts
Another way to comprehend AD’s nature is by considering its significance with other concepts. For example, Lamont notes that in terms of immigration, AD has attracted foreigners to American shores since numerous persons have left their homelands in hopes of prosperity (664). When considering multiculturalism, AD has drawn representatives of diverse races and ethnicities to the United States, yet such individuals are nowadays stigmatized as abusing educational and health systems (Lamont 676).
Moreover, AD can be connected to economics since, as suggested by Wolak and Peterson, when a person’s chances of acquiring capital fall, so does their confidence in AD (10). Another term closely related to AD is the country’s schooling system. For instance, Lamont remarks that AD has historically contributed to the expansion of American higher education (664). Overall, AD has been intertwined with different areas of public operations.
Conclusion
To conclude, the American dream can be defined as the spread within society’s idea of a better life that is supported to varying degrees, depending on one’s socioeconomic status and growing inequalities. While representing a picture of success and potentially motivating people, AD can be regarded as a myth or a powerful idea based on a person’s class and resources. Regardless of how people view AD, due to its historical heritage of attracting and driving individuals’ action, the concept has become connected with many areas of life, from education to economics.
Works Cited
Lamont, Michèle. “From ‘Having’ to ‘Being’: Self‐Worth and the Current Crisis of American Society.” The British Journal of Sociology, vol. 70, no. 3, 2019, pp. 660-707. Web.
Wolak, Jennifer, and David Peterson. “The Dynamic American Dream.” American Journal of Political Science, vol. 64, no. 4, 2020, pp. 1-14. Web.
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