Our research question relates to each and every one of us. Throughout our lives, we’ve been taught about the American Dream and that we live in a country where people can rise up and be successful no matter what their background is. However, when we study the wealth gap, it is evident that the basic principle behind our country is no longer true, people can work hard and still not move up in the social hierarchy. If the American Dream is disappearing, what is the purpose behind our society? Throughout this discussion, members of the higher class should come to the realization that some of their wealth and privilege is not solely based off of hard work. It will benefit their own knowledge to realize that connections and opportunity through family and friends are a large factor in their success. Members of the lower class will continue to be given less opportunity and chance due to richer Americans who have undeservingly taken the majority of the wealth, and therefore power, in our country.
Throughout this research, I hope to learn at what point in our history the American Dream began to fade. Or more importantly, was it ever a reality? Along with this, do members of the higher class believe that they are worthy of their success? Although some deserve it, some have undoubtedly been handed their wealth. Our group is going to look into factors such as race, social class, and immigration in order to dissect the truth behind the longstanding belief of the American Dream.
Ava Welch