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.
Inhaltsverzeichnis (Table of Contents)
- Introduction
- The American and European sets of values
- The American Dream
- The European Dream
- Institutional framework of disability rights policies
- Americans with Disabilities Act
- European Disability Strategy 2010-2020
- A Comparative Study
- Hypothesis one
- Hypothesis two
Zielsetzung und Themenschwerpunkte (Objectives and Key Themes)
This bachelor paper aims to analyze the impact of the American and European Dreams on disability rights legislation in the United States and the European Union. It examines the distinct sets of values underlying these dreams, explores the institutional framework of disability rights policies, and then compares the Americans with Disabilities Act and the European Disability Strategy 2010-2020.
- The American Dream and its emphasis on individual achievement and prosperity.
- The European Dream and its focus on social cohesion and communal well-being.
- The impact of these dreams on disability rights legislation in the US and EU.
- A comparative analysis of the Americans with Disabilities Act and the European Disability Strategy 2010-2020.
- The role of social philosophy and legal studies in understanding disability rights legislation.
Zusammenfassung der Kapitel (Chapter Summaries)
The introduction sets the context for the paper by outlining the contrasting notions of the American and European Dreams, highlighting their influence on policy-making. It raises the question of whether these dreams apply equally to individuals with disabilities, setting the stage for the paper's central theme.
The chapter on "The American and European sets of values" delves deeper into the historical origins and contemporary interpretations of the American Dream, emphasizing its focus on individual striving and achievement. It explores the concept of a European Dream, suggesting a more collectivist and communal approach to individual fulfillment.
The chapter on "Institutional framework of disability rights policies" provides an overview of the legal frameworks in the US and EU. It focuses on the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990 and the European Disability Strategy 2010-2020, outlining their key objectives and strategies.
Schlüsselwörter (Keywords)
This paper centers on the core concepts of the American Dream, the European Dream, disability rights legislation, comparative analysis, social philosophy, legal studies, the Americans with Disabilities Act, the European Disability Strategy, and inclusive societies. These key terms represent the central focus of the research, exploring the intersection of social values, policy frameworks, and the pursuit of equality for individuals with disabilities.
- Citation du texte
- Anonym (Auteur), 2012, The American Dream vs. the European Dream, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/1477953
