This paper explains the reflection of the individualist focus of the American and the communal aspect of the European Dream in disability rights legislation of the United States and the European Union respectively. The first chapter elaborates on the dominating notions of the American, thoroughly explained by James Adams (1931), as well as the European Dream, coined by Rifkin (2004). The second chapter describes the two institutional frameworks of disability rights legislation. On the one hand, the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 is outlined in greater detail. On the other hand, the recent European Disability Strategy 2010-2020 is summarized on the basis of its main objectives, areas of action and implementation strategies. Subsequently, the third chapter sets out a comparative approach to both pieces of legislation. Therefore, the first hypothesis draws upon methodology common in legal studies, whereas the second one consults the social philosophy perspective in order to explain the reflection of the European Dream within the framework of the current European disability right legislation. Here, the transformation that the British disability has undergone during the 1990s and which had substantial implications on the formation of a European disability rights movement is thoroughly analyzed.
The American Dream – no myth has spread as relentlessly as this notion of American patriotism. Its underlying values such as liberty, equality and democracy have shaped the policy-making processes in the United States since the Declaration of Independence in 1776. Nowadays, this glorious legend of the American Dream remains rather influential and determines the workings of the US political system. Doubtlessly, there are similar success stories of people living within the European Union, however, there is no myth (yet) about the destitute man who came to the EU, started off as a dish washer and quickly became part of the successful and prosperous European upper class due to his continuous and accurate work.
Table of Contents
1. Introduction
2. The American and European sets of values
2.1 The American Dream
2.2 The European Dream
3. Institutional framework of disability rights policies
3.1 Americans with Disabilities Act
3.2 European Disability Strategy 2010-2020
4. A Comparative Study
4.1 Hypothesis one
4.2 Hypothesis two
Objectives and Research Focus
This paper examines how the cultural notions of the "American Dream" (individualism and prosperity) and the "European Dream" (communal inclusivity) are reflected in the disability rights legislation of the United States and the European Union, specifically focusing on whether these legal frameworks provide equal opportunities for all or if they are constrained by their respective underlying philosophies.
- Analysis of the American Dream versus the European Dream as societal myths.
- Evaluation of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) regarding its legal and structural impact.
- Assessment of the European Disability Strategy 2010-2020 as a framework for inclusive policy.
- Comparison of "common law" judicial patterns in the US versus the "social model" approach in the EU.
- Investigation into how societal values influence legislative approaches toward disability rights.
Excerpt from the Book
The American Dream
The origins of the American Dream can be found in the US Declaration of Independence of 1776. Ever since, the notion of ‘equality of mankind’ has influenced the American minds, although its symbolic meaning has changed over time. During the early days of the United States, it was believed that owning land and property would inevitably lead to financial well-being for the individual. Yet, with his book The Epic of America the patriotic writer James T. Adams helped to assign and promote a different connotation to the concept of the American Dream. From then on, it rather referred to the US being a country
in which life should be better and richer and fuller for every man, with opportunity for each according to his ability or achievement. … [A] dream of social order in which each man and each woman shall be able to attain to the fullest stature of which they are innately capable, and be recognized by others for what they are, regardless of the fortuitous circumstances of birth or position (1931, p.415).
The considerable impact of this national ethos becomes obvious when analyzing US legislation more thoroughly. Republican governments focus on the neo-conservative approach to politics, thus, they fully embrace the notion that anyone who works hard for his or her dreams will succeed in financial prosperity. With his keynote speech during the National Convention of the Democratic Party in 2004, the then-Senator Obama defined the concept of the American Dream in a more liberal way. He emphasized the importance of societal factors (such as “freedom, potential for upward mobility, inclusiveness, community cohesion, and empowerment” (Rowland&Jones, 2007, p.431)) that supplement the individual’s efforts to realize his or her plans.
Summary of Chapters
Introduction: Summarizes the cultural significance of the American and European Dreams and outlines the paper's goal of exploring their influence on disability rights legislation.
The American and European sets of values: Defines the core concepts of both dreams, distinguishing between the individualistic focus of the US and the communal, inclusive focus of the EU.
Institutional framework of disability rights policies: Details the legislative foundations, contrasting the Americans with Disabilities Act (1990) with the European Disability Strategy (2010–2020).
A Comparative Study: Analyzes how the US judicial system and European social policy paradigms have shaped specific disability rights outcomes in both regions.
Keywords
American Dream, European Dream, Disability Rights, Americans with Disabilities Act, ADA, European Disability Strategy, Social Model of Disability, Medical Model of Disability, Legislation Enforcement, Policy-making, Inclusivity, Equality of Opportunity, Common Law, Paradigm Shift, Human Rights
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the core subject of this paper?
The paper explores the influence of the "American Dream" and "European Dream" on the formation and implementation of disability rights legislation in the US and the EU.
What are the primary themes discussed?
Key themes include societal values, legislative frameworks for disability discrimination, institutional comparing, and the evolution of disability rights movements.
What is the main research question of the work?
The work investigates the extent to which the individualistic focus of the American Dream and the communal orientation of the European Dream manifest in, and shape the content of, disability rights policies.
Which methodology is applied?
The author applies a comparative approach to legal studies, incorporating social philosophy to explain how institutional frameworks differ in addressing discrimination versus social barriers.
What does the main part of the document cover?
It covers the historical definitions of the American vs. European Dream, evaluates the Americans with Disabilities Act, summarizes the European Disability Strategy, and performs a comparative cross-analysis of these legal systems.
Which keywords characterize this paper?
The paper is characterized by terms such as American Dream, European Dream, Disability Rights, Legislation, Policy-making, Inclusivity, and Social Model.
How does the US legal system influence disability rights differently than the EU's?
The US relies heavily on a litigious, common law system where rights are often enforced through individual court cases; in contrast, the EU focuses on a broader, communal approach using social policy to remove structural barriers.
What role does the "social model" play in this comparison?
The social model—which attributes disability to environmental barriers and society's failure to accommodate—is central to European legislation, whereas the US approach historically focuses more on individual empowerment and specific non-discrimination statutes.
- Quote paper
- Anonym (Author), 2012, The American Dream vs. the European Dream, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/1477953
