Naima Raza, a journalist at New York Magazine and Vox, moderates a heated discussion with David Leonhardt, a Pulitzer Prize-winning senior writer for The New York Times and author, about the status of the American Dream. They explore whether this ideal is truly in decline, delving into rising costs of healthcare and education. The debate juxtaposes perspectives on economic disparity against notions of opportunity and progress. They reflect on historical shifts, the impact of recent crises, and grassroots movements advocating for inclusive capitalism.
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insights INSIGHT
Declining Belief in the American Dream
The American Dream, popularized by James Truslow Adams, is now under scrutiny.
It represents upward mobility, meritocracy, and generational progress, but belief in it has declined.
insights INSIGHT
The American Dream is Declining
David Leonhardt argues that the American Dream, defined as progress and broad opportunity, is declining.
He cites slower wage gains, negative public perception, and declining life expectancy as evidence.
insights INSIGHT
The American Dream Is Alive
Michael Strain believes the American Dream, focused on economic mobility and progress, is not dead.
He points to wage growth, increased household income, and improvements in quality of life as proof.
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The American Dream Is Not Dead: (But Populism Could Kill It)
But Populism Could Kill It
Michael Strain
Ours Was the Shining Future
The Rise and Fall of the American Dream
David Leonhardt
This book traces the rise and fall of the American Dream, focusing on how democratic capitalism flourished in the mid-20th century to make the dream possible, only to be corrupted in the latter decades to serve the privileged few. Leonhardt examines the economic changes, labor laws, and government policies that contributed to this shift. He critiques both the right's championing of corporate greed and the left's abandonment of working-class issues, highlighting key figures and grassroots movements that shaped the American dream. The narrative is rich in innovation, grit, and hope, offering a diagnosis of America's socioeconomic malaise and suggesting ways to revive the dream through public investment, collective bargaining, and civic activism.
The Epic of America
James Truslow Adams
In 'The Epic of America', James Truslow Adams provides a comprehensive historical overview of the United States from the English settlement to the twentieth century. He defines the 'American Dream' as a vision of a land where life should be better and richer for everyone, with opportunities for each person according to their ability or achievement. Adams emphasizes that this dream is not merely about material prosperity but about a social order where individuals can attain their full potential regardless of their birth or position. The book is significant for its articulation of the American Dream during a period of economic crisis, the Great Depression, and for its broader historical context that underscores the enduring ideals of American society.
The American Dream – the idea that anyone can achieve success in the U.S. through hard work and determination – is under scrutiny, and some worry it’s no longer achievable for the broader population. Those who agree say increasing healthcare, education, and housing costs create difficulty in having financial stability. Those who disagree argue that the U.S. still offers more opportunities for personal and financial growth than elsewhere. Now we debate: Is the American Dream in Decline?
Arguing Yes: David Leonhardt, Pulitzer Prize-winning Senior Writer for The New York Times and The Morning; Author of “Ours Was the Shining Future: The Story of the American Dream”
Arguing No: Michael Strain, Political Economy Scholar and Director of Economic Policy Studies at American Enterprise Institute; Author of “The American Dream Is Not Dead: (But Populism Could Kill It)”
Nayeema Raza, Journalist at New York Magazine and Vox, is the guest moderator.
Open to Debate 
