The American Dream as el Sueño Americano: Lost in Translation?

Authors

  • Tomasz M. Lebiecki Author

Keywords:

American Dream, globalization, migration, inequality, cultural evolution, meritocracy

Abstract

This article analyzes the evolution and contemporary relevance of the American Dream, particularly through the lens of Mexican and Latin American immigrants. The author contends that traditional elements of the American Dream—such as economic opportunities, political freedom, and meritocracy—have diminished in appeal due to global changes in democracy, communication technology, and social mobility. The paper explores how modern immigration patterns, especially from Mexico, challenge the historical narrative of sacrifice and promise associated with the American Dream. This study examines statistical data and political attitudes to demonstrate that while the classic version of the Dream may be fading, its ideological and practical significance persists for immigrants. The article argues that the contemporary construction of the American Dream differs significantly from its traditional model, necessitating a reevaluation of its cultural and social impact.

 

(The abstract and keywords were prepared retrospectively for indexing purposes using AI-assisted tools and editorial review, based on the original article. They did not appear in the original publication.)

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Published

2004-04-01

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Research Articles

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How to Cite

The American Dream as el Sueño Americano: Lost in Translation?. (2004). Journal of American Studies of Turkey, 19, 89-105. https://jast.org.tr/index.php/main/article/view/336