Sociology Plus
Definition
The American Dream is a central ideological concept of the United States that allows all citizens the opportunity to achieve happiness. Its significant promise is that any person with sufficient skill and effort may ascend to the pinnacle of American society. Moreover, it is the promise of opportunity provided by the American Dream that ensures the loyalty of the nation’s many distinct communities.
Explanation
James Truslow Adams invented the phrase “American Dream” in his 1931 book “Epic of America.” Proponents of the American Dream often assert its ideals are rooted in the United States Declaration of Independence, which claims that “all men are created equal” and have the right to “life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.”
Every U.S. citizen should have an equal chance to achieve success and wealth through hard work, persistence, and continuous improvement. The expectation of upward social mobility is what motivates every American to advance.
Numerous variables that provided the United States a competitive edge over other nations facilitated the American dream. Although the concept of the American Dream has shifted to imply various things to successive generations, it is undeniably and will likely always be a component of the American ethos.
The American ideal offers equality and freedom. The values of the American dream, particularly the freedom to choose one’s own life, are inspiring. In recent decades, however, surveys have shown that the American ideal has appeared less attainable as income inequality has expanded.