Diese Hausarbeit beschäftigt sich mit dem American Dream und seiner Anwendbarkeit auf die aktuelle Generation der Hispanics im 21. Jahrhundert. Die Hausarbeit geht von der Entstehung des American Dream in der amerikanischen Geschichte aus und betrachtet die aktuellen Möglichkeiten für die spanische 'Minderheit', den amerikanischen Traum heute zu leben. *** This term paper deals with the American Dream and its validity for the contemporary Hispanics in 21st-century America. The term paper outlines the development of the American Dream and its origins in the history of the United States of America. Moreover, it considers and discusses the current possibilities of the Hispanic minority to live the American Dream today.
Table of Contents
1. Introduction
2. The Concept of the American Dream
3. The Position of Hispanics in the USA
4. Education and Socio-Economic Disadvantages
5. Factors Influencing Success and Upward Mobility
6. Conclusion
Objectives and Key Themes
This essay explores whether the American Dream remains a valid and attainable ideal for the Hispanic minority in the United States, investigating the structural barriers and opportunities they face in the 21st century.
- The historical evolution and definition of the American Dream.
- Educational disparities and their impact on long-term economic success.
- The influence of neighborhood environments and socio-economic status on social mobility.
- The role of government programs and rising income trends in facilitating success for Hispanic-Americans.
Excerpt from the Book
The Concept of the American Dream
The concept of the American Dream is as old as the American society itself. During the history of the United States of America this fundamental concept and its interpretation have changed a lot. It all started in the 1880s. During the ages of the American expansion towards the West the American Dream was reflected in the possibility of a person to start a completely new life, for example by setting up a farm on his or her own. After the Second World War this interpretation of the American Dream changed not only because the whole territory of the North-American continent has been conquered until then. The more influential factor was the huge impact that the Industrialisation and Modernisation had on the American society from the beginning of the 20th century onwards. In fact, a steady economic growth combined with the need for more workers which was compensated by an increasing immigration particularly from Europe led to a new and self-confident way of thinking about the U.S.
This interpretation of the American Dream intensified after the Second World War and can be summarised as involving a desire ‘to move to the suburbs and [to have] the ability to own a home, raise a family, send one’s children to college, and support oneself in old age’. Apart from the fact that there are a lot of different ways of understanding the American Dream, the most common interpretation is that of economic success possible for every American. And even nowadays the American Dream is based on the notion that if an American works hard, he or she can achieve a good life. This concept includes two very important elements. At first, it is based on the assumption that a person can reach his or her aims without being limited by structures or other factors like age, sex or even race. Therefore, individual success only depends on the amount of engagement everyone is willing to give. This notion is linked to the second element the American Dream includes. The concept of ‘everything is possible as long you work hard enough for it’ includes the assumption that every American is able to have success.
Summary of Chapters
1. Introduction: Presents the research question regarding the attainability of the American Dream for minority groups, specifically Hispanics, in the face of poverty statistics.
2. The Concept of the American Dream: Traces the historical development and the core ideological pillars of the American Dream from the 1880s to the modern era.
3. The Position of Hispanics in the USA: Provides demographic context on the Hispanic population and contrasts their presence in the labor force with their economic standing.
4. Education and Socio-Economic Disadvantages: Analyzes the correlation between neighborhood quality, educational attainment, and the resulting economic limitations for Hispanic families.
5. Factors Influencing Success and Upward Mobility: Examines positive trends, such as rising average incomes and the impact of government-funded support programs for Hispanic individuals.
6. Conclusion: Summarizes that while significant structural barriers persist, there is cautious optimism for the future accessibility of the American Dream for Hispanics.
Keywords
American Dream, Hispanics, Latinos, US Census, Poverty, Education, Social Mobility, Economic Success, Immigration, Socio-economics, Minorities, Government Programs, Inequality, Labor Force, Cultural Integration
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the core subject of this research?
The research examines the validity of the American Dream in the 21st century specifically regarding the Hispanic-American population.
What are the central thematic areas discussed?
The essay focuses on socio-economic status, educational opportunities, the impact of living environments, and the role of government initiatives in fostering success.
What is the primary research question?
The central question is whether the American Dream, as an egalitarian ideal, is actually accessible to Hispanics or if systemic barriers prevent them from achieving it.
Which methodology is applied in this paper?
The author utilizes a descriptive and analytical approach, synthesizing existing statistical data, census reports, and sociological studies to evaluate economic and social trends.
What is covered in the main body of the text?
The main body investigates the demographic background of Hispanics, analyzes educational gaps between them and the general population, and reviews economic data regarding poverty and income growth.
Which keywords best characterize this work?
The work is defined by terms such as American Dream, Hispanic minority, socio-economic mobility, educational attainment, and poverty alleviation.
How does the author define the 'Un-American Dream'?
The author refers to Alfred Hornung's concept, suggesting that the American Dream is sometimes exclusionary and only accessible to certain groups, necessitating alternative "un-American" versions for immigrants.
What role do neighborhood conditions play in the success of Hispanic children?
The paper highlights that many Hispanics live in disadvantaged neighborhoods with limited educational resources, which creates a cycle that hinders academic achievement and future economic success.
What evidence does the author provide for potential optimism regarding the future?
The author cites rising income levels among Hispanic households and the existence of targeted support programs like the Hispanic Scholarship Fund as indicators that upward mobility is increasing.
- Quote paper
- Isabel Mund (Author), 2013, "E Pluribus Unum?" – Still Valid for Everyone?, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/233368
