The American dream, that every hard-working and determined citizen in the United States has the equal opportunity to achieve success is still true today, but economic inequality makes it very difficult for many. Economic inequality is when different people in societies experience an unequal distribution of opportunity and income. Today the American dream of upward mobility and economic success is facing challenges due to the rise in economic inequality.
The more unequal a country, the harder it is to achieve the American dream. Economic inequalities are a major driver of many social problems, and according to Richard Wilkinson, countries with greater income inequality have longer life expectancy, lower infant mortality rates, lower crime rates, better mental health outcomes, and greater social mobility. Wilkinson’s work often focused on how income distribution affected not only economic conditions but also larger societal well-being and said, “We can improve the real quality of human life by reducing the difference in incomes between us.” (Wilkinson)
Economic inequality has generally continued to increase over the years and change our society. Thomas Riggs stated, “The height of the civil rights movement, beginning in the mid-1950s and running through the end of the 1960s, saw dramatically increased economic opportunities for minority groups through changing social norms, government legislation (such as the Civil Rights Act of 1964, which outlawed discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, or national origin in public establishments, including educational institutions), and increased political representation.” Different social groups are formed based on multiple factors related to income and wealth. These groups have developed over time due to education, skill level, gender, race, class, and national origin. For example, people with higher education levels or special skills might belong in a different economic group than those with less education, and factors like gender or race can influence economic opportunities and outcomes.
Some people might argue that economic inequality doesn’t affect the possibility of achieving the American dream when it comes to successful business people and celebrities who have come from humble backgrounds. They might say that a person’s determination, hard work, and talent are the main factors in achieving success, regardless of economic background. However, while these abnormal cases do exist, they do not represent the reality for most people. Max Roser says that inequality in people’s lives today is so extremely large and has been an issue throughout history.With significant inequality in income and living standards between different countries, some countries experienced rapid economic growth while others lagged behind. This led to an outstanding increase in global economic inequality, with the richest countries pulling away from the rest.
To fix this problem, we can support initiatives that promote fair wages, access to quality education, and affordable healthcare. We must also engage in discussions about social justice to raise awareness and encourage change. This is important because it is crucial for individuals, communities, and policymakers to advocate for fair economic policies. Together, we can work towards a society where everyone has the opportunity to pursue and attain their version of the American dream. In conclusion, to make the possibility of the American dream achievable for all we must put an end to the unequal distribution of wealth and income within societies. Economic inequality is harming our communities, and if we don’t do anything about it, it will only get worse.
