Social mobility and the American dream
Social mobility is the movement of persons or families within the social hierarchy system. In most occasions either individuals acquire a higher or lower social status. The American dream is the belief that there is equal opportunity for all Americans to prosper depending on their determination and level of hard work. As per the American dream, upward social mobility should be attainable by families and children provided they put in a lot of effort in their endeavors since every individual is perceived to have an equal chance of succeeding in life. But is this the case today?
The impact of environment on the American dream
A lot of immigrants have moved to the United States of American with the hope of living a better life. The desire by most Americans to live a better life compared to that of their parents is slowly fading away due to various factors. The kind of environment that a child is exposed to when they are growing up affects whether they will achieve the American dream or not (Putnam). The probability of a child, born in an affluent environment becoming successful is relatively higher than that of a child brought up by low-income earners in a prevalent crime area. The kind of school that they attend is a significant contributor to this as it is hard for a child to focus and value education in crime prevalent area since a majority of people do not see the importance of it.
The role of technology in social mobility
A lot of people have embraced technology as a way of climbing up the social class ladder since it is more profitable. Owners of technology companies make up the upper class in the status hierarchy and are held of high esteem today compared to scientists who were valued in the 19th century. The easiest way to upward social mobility is through embracing technology and investing in it. Children brought up in affluent families are taken to good schools. At an early age, they are exposed to a world which uses technology to enhance growth and make money; this makes it easier for them to thrive in the technological and business world compared to children of low-income earners who have little or no exposure.
Improving education and housing for social mobility
For more Americans to achieve the American dream, the specific change should be made to various sectors such as the education and housing sectors. The quality of education offered in private and public schools should be equal to expose the children to equal opportunities and exploit their talents. The outcome of this approach is that most individuals who are determined and hardworking will become successful in life. Changes need to be made in the housing sector such that there is excellent and affordable housing for every individual. Crime and drug abuse will be reduced in certain states reducing the number of school dropouts which results in increased literacy levels.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the desire of most Americans to live better lives than their parents can be achieved only if some measures are put in place. The society should be structured in a way that every individual can be prosperous in life if they are hardworking and not because of who they are. If upward social mobility increases, the living standards of most Americans will improve promoting the country's economic growth.
Works Cited
Putnam, Robert D. Our Kids: The American Dream in Crisis. Simon and Schuster, 2016. Document.
