The Contemporary American Dream

Since our parent’s generation, the hope of attaining the American Dream is still the same, but the dream is not so realistic in today’s society. Reaching a comfortably suitable lifestyle is ideal for all but that doesn't imply that it’s entirely possible. Divisions is social class have affected reaching the American Dream by shifting the equality of opportunity and stunting social mobility.

                The American Dream varies directly with opportunity. The United States has a reputation for opening doors to fruited plains of possibility for all who dwell there. Meritocracy, however, has stunted many American’s abilities to move up on the social ladder. “Throughout the rich world…elites have proved remarkably adept at passing on privilege down the generations” (Source B). It has become more and more apparent, that children who were raised in stable and wealthy families have a greater advantage at seeking many opportunities. These kids can attain their dreams because they can afford the necessary schooling to do so. Meritocracy has shown itself to making the American Dream possible—to some, but not all Americans—because the young people have their parents’ wealth and reputation to proceed into making a suitable living. The equality of opportunity has not only become weighted by whoever has the greatest income, but also by whoever gets the best grades in high school.  There is a correlation between the wealthy and children with excellent GPA's. “The rich-poor gap in test scores is about 40 percent larger now than it was 30 years ago” (Source A). With this information, doesn't it make sense that the equality of opportunity is more opportune for those with more resources and money, and isn't a viable option for every young American?

                Social mobility, like the equality of opportunity, has become somewhat of a dream itself. America appears to be a progressive country with the ability to allow its citizens to reach a greater social place because the middle class makes up the majority. “There is more chance of upward mobility in the broad middle class” (Source E).  However, there is a struggle. Americans residing in the lower-middle class and working class struggle to move up the social ladder because of a lack of money to support a young American’s education. Larger families have a greater chance of getting their children into college. “The Great Gatsby Curve” is Alan Kruger's visual demonstration of contemporary social mobility (Source G). Fathers whose incomes rise by one percent can slow social mobility for the entire country.  Jonah Goldberg said, “Americans who started in the top and the bottom of the economic ladder…remain stuck there as themselves as adults” (Source E). Think that over. Is the American Dream attainable for everyone?