Seeking the American Dream [electronic resource] : A Sociological Inquiry /
Hauhart, Robert C.author.
Historically, the United States has been viewed by generations of immigrants as the land of opportunity, where through hard work one can prosper and make a better life. The American Dream is perhaps the United States’ most common export. For many Americans, though, questions remain about whether the American Dream can be achieved in the twenty-first century. Americans, faced with global competition and increased social complexity, wonder whether their dwindling natural resources, polarized national and local politics, and often unregulated capitalism can support the American Dream today. This book examines the ideas and experiences that have formed the American Dream, assesses its meaning for Americans, and evaluates its prospects for the future.
Description based upon print version of record.
Includes bibliographical references and index.
Chapter 1: Antecedents -- Chapter 2: Early Sociological Investigations of the American Dream -- Chapter 3: Sociological Studies of American Life in the 1920’s -- Chapter 4: The American Dream in the Great Depression -- Chapter 5: The American Way of Life in the Post-World War II Era -- Chapter 6: Post-war Affluence Meets the Great Society -- Chapter 7: The American Dream Critically Examined -- Chapter 8: The American Dream in a Diminished Economy -- Chapter 9: Dreams, Class and Opportunity at the Fin de Siecle and Beyond -- Chapter 10: Contemporary 21st Century Assessments of the American Dream -- Chapter 11: Down and Out or On Their Way: Street People, the Homeless, and College Students Envision the American Dream -- Conclusion. .
Historically, the United States has been viewed by generations of immigrants as the land of opportunity, where through hard work one can prosper and make a better life. The American Dream is perhaps the United States’ most common export. For many Americans, though, questions remain about whether the American Dream can be achieved in the twenty-first century. Americans, faced with global competition and increased social complexity, wonder whether their dwindling natural resources, polarized national and local politics, and often unregulated capitalism can support the American Dream today. This book examines the ideas and experiences that have formed the American Dream, assesses its meaning for Americans, and evaluates its prospects for the future.
"Robert Hauhart, Ph.D., J.D., is a professor and former chair of the Department of Society and Social Justice (2010-2013) at Saint Martin's University, [Lacey, Washington]. Serving on the faculty since 2006, Dr. Hauhart leads the undergraduate criminal justice and legal studies programs within the liberal arts curriculum. He also acts as pre-law advisor and offers courses within the sociology major. In 2008, he was named Monks of Saint Martin's Abbey Outstanding Faculty Member. Originally from St. Louis, MO, he received is bachelor of science in education from Southern Illinois University. He went on to complete an artium magister (A.M.) in sociology at Washington University, a Ph.D. in sociology from the University of Virginia, and his J.D., Law from the University of Baltimore. Dr. Hauhart spent twenty years working in the criminal justice system in Pennsylvania, New York, and the District of Columbia. After leaving the District of Columbia in 2001, he taught at the University of Maine, the University of New Mexico, Pacific Lutheran University, and finally, Saint Martin's. His interests include the intersection of law, economy, and society; prisons and prisoners' rights law; and non-legal initiatives for social justice. His career has balanced between practicing law and serving as an educator. He is fiercely dedicated to social justice and raising the awareness of the communities in which he serves. Shortly after arriving at Saint Martin's he established the Robert A. Harvie Social Justice Lecture Series, bringing a vital asset to the state capital of Washington and the surrounding community."--Saint Martin's University website, accessed 6/6/2016.
Culture.
Social structure.
Social inequality.
Cultural studies.
Sociology of Culture.
Social Structure, Social Inequality.
Cultural Studies.