Sofia Martini
Senior Thesis | 2024
Sofia Martini
Mrs. Brown
Senior Thesis
March 4, 2024
Women and the American Dream in the 21st Century
Introduction
The American Dream, often seen as a beacon of hope promising prosperity through hard work, faces scrutiny when viewed through a gender lens. This essay dives into how gender disparities have skewed the dream to historically favor men, and argues that the idea of the American Dream was created in a system that omits women. By exploring the different impacts of societal, economic, and historical factors on men and women, it highlights the need for an American Dream that acknowledges both genders' contributions and challenges. From the legal and societal constraints of the 19th century to the gendered effects of recent crises like the COVID-19 pandemic, the narrative shows the
evolving but persistent hurdles women face. Through case studies and the examination of the shifting dynamics of this dream, the discussion pushes for a reimagined ideal that embraces gender equality. This redefined dream does not just add women to the existing narrative but reconceptualizes it to reflect a diverse society's realities, where we should advocate for a collective pursuit of success that transcends traditional gender roles. We should think about how we define success and prosperity, and urge a shift towards celebrating and integrating the diverse contributions of all its citizens. The “American Dream” should be a collective aspiration, where gender does not dictate the boundaries of possibility.
Case Studies in American Literature
In American history, figures like Anne Hutchinson in the 17th century and literary characters such as Hester Prynne from Nathaniel Hawthorne's "The Scarlet Letter" have profoundly influenced society, especially regarding women's access to the
American Dream. One is compelled to question how these stories, which boldly contrast James Truslow Adams' original definition of the American Dream, have shaped and limited the accessibility of this dream. Anne Hutchinson's real-life defiance of gender norms through her religious teachings, followed by her trial and banishment, reveals the narrow confines within which women were expected to operate in her time. Her story is not just a fight for personal freedom but also a struggle against societal barriers to women's empowerment and status. Hutchinson's trial in the early 17th century illustrates the limitations women encountered in the pursuit of the simple ability to speak their mind. A well-educated woman who held religious meetings in her home challenged the rigid Puritanical norms by expressing religious interpretations and opinions that contradicted the established clergy. Her actions were seen not only as religious dissent but also as defiance of her role as a woman in society. Hutchinson's trial, often referred to as the Antinomian Controversy, became a spectacle where she was
accused of heresy and sedition. During the trial, Hutchinson demonstrated remarkable intellect and confidence, defending her views against a panel of male judges. Her ability to articulate her beliefs and challenge the theological arguments of the colony's ministers was extraordinary. Despite her eloquence and logic, Hutchinson was found guilty and was banished from the colony. This verdict was a clear message about the limits placed on women's public roles and their participation in religious and political debates (Linder).
As readers consumed Hawthorne's portrayal of Hester Prynne, they were also digesting a societal image of women that was conflicted. The widespread story of "The Scarlet Letter" meant that these depictions were not confined to the realm of fiction but seeped into societal consciousness, reinforcing the limits on women’s aspirations. The way readers of the time might have received Prynne's character reflects the societal understanding and acceptance of women's roles during that era. The character of
Hester Prynne, though seen as a feminist figure by today’s standards, would likely have been perceived as a cautionary tale, encouraging the belief that deviation from prescribed gender roles would lead to social ostracism, as it had happened to Hutchinson. This perception influenced how women were viewed and treated in society, particularly in their pursuit of the American Dream. Both Hutchinson and Prynne's stories, though set in different centuries, resonate with the same challenges and highlight the historical roots of gender-based barriers to achieving the American Dream, especially in terms of rules and status. These narratives present a glaring contradiction to Adams' vision of a society where opportunity and personal fulfillment are available to all, regardless of gender. The disparity between the idealistic American Dream and the realities faced by women raises critical questions about the evolution of American societal norms and the factors that have reshaped the accessibility of the American Dream.
Historical Context of the American Dream
It’s obvious that the concept of the American Dream, though seemingly inclusive, hasn’t embraced all members of society equally. The realities of this dream have been different for black and white men and women, particularly when looking back through American history. In the early days of America, the American Dream was closely tied to the ideas of freedom and property ownership. However, the first time the term “American Dream” was used was in 1931. James Truslow Adams was an American historian and writer who used the term in his book "The Epic of America." His work articulated the idea of the American Dream as the belief that each person, regardless of their background, has the opportunity to achieve success and prosperity through hard work, determination, and initiative. Adams was not only a prolific author, writing extensively on American history and culture, but also contributed significantly to the national dialogue on the United States' identity and values. In this book, his
definition of the American Dream is “a dream of a social order in which each man and each woman shall be able to attain to the fullest stature of which they are innately capable and be recognized by others for what they are, regardless of the fortuitous circumstances of birth or position” (Matthew). In Adams’ mind, these opportunities were meant to be highly accessible to men and women (regardless of race); however, women still faced a variety of legal and societal barriers that limited their pursuit of this dream. The roles of women during the early to mid-19th century were primarily confined to domestic expectations. Women were expected to be caretakers, responsible for raising children and managing the household, while men were the breadwinners and public figures. A woman’s contributions, though vital to the stability of families and communities, often went unrecognized. The struggle for women's rights and recognition gained momentum in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. In the 19th century, one of the pivotal movements for women's rights centered around the
protest against the legal doctrine of coverture. Under coverture, married women were legally bound to their husbands, with their possessions, wages, and even their bodies considered as the husband's property. This doctrine gave husbands total control over their wives, severely limiting women’s freedom and their ability to pursue personal dreams.
Elizabeth Cady Stanton, a prominent figure in the women's rights movement, wrote extensively against this practice, highlighting the need for women's emancipation. The movement not only fought for suffrage but also for broader issues like the sexual exploitation of enslaved women and the legal denial of their right to protect their children. Wives were “compelled to promise obedience to her husband, he becoming, to all intents and purposes, her master (Edwards). Stanton's advocacy and writings were not just a fight against a legal doctrine but a broader struggle for gender equality. This echoes the central premise of this thesis: the recognition of women's invisible contributions and the
argument for redefining the American Dream. The early women’s rights movement, by challenging the covert system, sought to empower women economically and socially, allowing them to be recognized as equal partners in the pursuit of the American Dream. Stanton ardently opposed systemic injustices, advocating for a broad spectrum of rights beyond suffrage, including the fight against the sexual exploitation of enslaved women and the legal denials faced by wives and mothers. Her colleague, Susan B. Anthony, shared these sentiments. Frederick Douglass, a staunch advocate for justice, recognized the integral role of women in achieving a truly inclusive American Dream. His collaboration with pioneers like Stanton encouraged a shared vision for equality, highlighting the importance of women's economic and social empowerment in the collective pursuit of the American Dream.
The introduction of the Fourteenth and Fifteenth Amendments, aimed at securing rights for black men, marked a period where the paths of the women's movement and the fight for
racial equality diverged. Stanton, for instance, resorted to "indefensibly racist rhetoric in advancing the case for women over uneducated men of any race," suggesting a hierarchy that placed "refined, educated Anglo-Saxon women" above others, including immigrants and black men, whom she derogatorily referenced (Blight). Meanwhile, Frederick Douglass, despite his staunch support for women's suffrage, sometimes utilized language that, by modern standards, could be seen as patriarchal, joking in a manner that diminished the severity of women's grievances (Blight). This tension culminated in a "prolonged breach" over whether women's suffrage and black male suffrage could coexist on the same agenda, creating a sad rift in an already difficult history. Douglass and Stanton, once united at Seneca Falls, found their paths diverging as the political landscape evolved, with Stanton and Anthony even aligning with white-supremacist Democrats in a desperate bid for women's suffrage, further complicating their legacy (Blight).
The efforts of Stanton and her colleagues laid the groundwork for today's ongoing push to redefine the American Dream as an inclusive goal that is achievable and beneficial to both men and women. This historical perspective reinforces the idea that the American Dream should not just be about individual success but a joint endeavor where both sexes contribute equally and are equally recognized for their efforts and achievements.
Dynamics and Economic Achievement
The transition from World War II to the digital era marks a significant evolution in the fight for women's rights, illustrating how societal opportunities for women have shifted dramatically over the decades. The post-World War II era, for example, saw many women entering the workforce, driven by necessity during the war and a growing sense of independence afterwards. Yet, societal expectations still heavily favored traditional gender roles, and women often found themselves balancing professional aspirations with domestic responsibilities.
The feminist movements of the 1960s and 1970s brought further attention to women's rights. This period is known as “second wave feminism.”. During this time, Friedans’s book “The Feminine Mystique” was published, touching on housewives and women who were oppressed in the workplace (Gale). "The Feminine Mystique” challenged the prevalent post-World War II ideology that women's primary purpose was marriage and motherhood. " Each suburban wife struggles with it alone. As she made the beds, shopped for groceries, matched slipcover material, ate peanut butter sandwiches with her children, chauffeured Cub Scouts and Brownies, and lay beside her husband at night- she was afraid to ask even of herself the silent question 'Is this all?” (Freidan). While Friedan's feminist ideology wasn't entirely groundbreaking, as it echoed earlier thoughts from feminists like Simone de Beauvoir, her book achieved an unprecedented impact. It resonated deeply with the average woman, who had previously not been at the forefront of feminist thought. This book played a
crucial role in amplifying the feminist cause, broadening its reach beyond intellectual circles to touch the lives of everyday women. It sparked a substantial wave of feminist activism that sought to address a range of injustices, including sexual violence, reproductive rights, domestic abuse, and discrimination in the workplace. Friedan's work came at a pivotal moment when many women, having joined the workforce during the war, were experiencing a newfound sense of independence. Women found themselves navigating the complex life of professional ambitions while juggling traditional domestic responsibilities. The emergence of second-wave feminism in the 1960s and 1970s further propelled the fight for women's rights. This era saw a significant push against ingrained gender norms and a call for a reevaluation of women's societal roles (Gale).
The rise of digital technology and globalization in the 21st century has opened new avenues for women to pursue their careers and aspirations, significantly impacting various fields from politics
and business to science and the arts. Women's greater access to these technologies is crucial, as it can help bridge the economic and social gap they face compared to men (Madgavkar). One of the key benefits of digital technology for women is enhanced access to finance. Advancing gender equality in the digital age is not just beneficial for women; it has broader economic implications. The McKinsey Global Institute estimates that gender equality could add $12 trillion per year to the global economy by 2025.
The Pandemic’s Impact
Despite these advancements, the COVID-19 pandemic has starkly highlighted existing gender-based disparities, particularly impacting women's roles in the workforce. Women, especially those who are mothers, caregivers, or come from low-income backgrounds, have had to deal with a disproportionate burden of the pandemic's economic fallout. Approximately 1 in 10 women reported quitting their job due to pandemic-related reasons, with nearly half saying an unsafe workplace was a reason. 17% of low-
income women had to leave their jobs for a pandemic-related reason, compared to just 5% among higher-income women (Ranji et al.).
One of the most significant factors contributing to this trend was the closure of schools and daycare centers. This development had a greater impact on working mothers, with 1 in 10 stating they had quit their job due to these closures. The burden of these closures fell on low-income women and those with Medicaid. Among this group, 37% had to quit their job due to a lack of childcare, compared to 23% of women with incomes above 200% of the federal poverty level (Ranji et al.). This disparity points to a deeper issue of economic inequality and it’s clear that the pandemic has not only exposed, but intensified these systemic issues. The reduction in childcare options exacerbated the situation. Over the past two years, around 16,000 childcare centers were forced to close, and many more operated at limited capacity, leading to a significant decrease in the availability and
affordability of childcare across the nation. Consequently, women found themselves trying to choose between maintaining their employment and ensuring the care of their children. This dilemma was particularly difficult for single mothers, who faced the dual challenges of lacking a partner’s support in childcare and not having an additional source of income. Statistics show that 17% of single mothers reported job loss during the pandemic, a rate higher than that of women who were married or had a partner. (Ranji et al.). The wage gap between men and women played a crucial role in determining who would leave the workforce when childcare became unavailable.
Women, on average, earned about $172 less per week than men in 2022. In situations where childcare is not accessible, the logical choice often comes down to who earns less. In most families, this calculation meant that women had to leave their jobs. This pattern not only reflects the immediate impact of the pandemic on women's employment but also hints at a deeper,
cyclical problem where lower earnings lead to reduced labor force participation, putting more obstacles in place for women to have their own financial independence. The closure of schools and daycare centers did more than disrupt routines; it brought to the forefront the issue of unpaid care work, a burden that predominantly falls on women. Half of the mothers who quit their jobs during the pandemic did so because of the closure of their child's school or daycare. With in-person schools closed, mothers took on many new responsibilities, including childcare, remote learning assistance, and, in some cases, fully homeschooling their children. The pandemic has starkly highlighted the need for systemic changes to support women, particularly in achieving a balance between professional and domestic responsibilities and in addressing the wage gap that often dictates economic decisions in households. The convergence of school and daycare closures, the burden of unpaid care work, and the gender wage gap created a perfect storm that impacted women, underscoring the necessity for
policy interventions and societal shifts to support gender equality in the labor market and beyond.
The pandemic, in a way, has helped bring to light the issues we casually mistake for normal. It takes a crisis like this to understand the critical role of mothers and women in the workforce as well as the expectations women have in their families versus what men are expected to do. Addressing these disparities is essential for achieving equality in the pursuit of the American Dream. Women in the 21st century continue to confront challenges such as underrepresentation in leadership roles and the ongoing struggle to balance professional and personal lives. Many women were forced to quit their jobs or couldn’t do their jobs as well because they had to stay home and take care of their children.
Leaving the workforce was one thing, but the lack of women today that have returned to the workforce is appalling (Ferguson).
Redefining the Dream: A Gender-Inclusive Perspective
The American Dream, historically perceived as a pursuit of prosperity and success within a male-dominated framework, is in dire need of redefinition to include women's contributions and priorities. This reimagining is not merely symbolic; it is necessitated by the evolving economic, social, and cultural landscape in which women play increasingly prominent, if ignored, roles. McKinsey & Company's 2018 report highlights a compelling economic argument for this shift: advancing gender equality could add a staggering $12 trillion to the global GDP by 2025. This projection underscores the immense potential of women's economic contributions, suggesting that an American Dream that encompasses these contributions aligns more closely with contemporary economic realities.
The traditional American Dream, often centered around the male breadwinner model, no longer reflects the changing dynamics of modern families. In many households today, women are the
primary earners or contribute significantly to family income. This shift necessitates a redefinition of the American Dream to accurately represent the role of women in sustaining and supporting families. It is no longer just about the singular pursuit of financial success but encompasses a broader spectrum of family and community well-being where women's roles are integral. The diversity of women's aspirations further bolsters the argument for redefining the American Dream. Women’s goals extend beyond financial success to include career fulfillment, education, work-life balance, and community involvement. A more inclusive American Dream would recognize and value these varied ambitions as part of the collective aspiration for prosperity and success. Acknowledging these aspirations is crucial in a society that increasingly recognizes the importance of diverse life goals and personal fulfillment.
Legislative changes over the past decades reflect a societal shift towards recognizing and valuing women's contributions in all
spheres of life. These changes, indicative of a society evolving to embrace gender equality, support the argument for redefining the American Dream. As laws and societal attitudes progress to support women's rights and participation, it becomes increasingly apparent that the American Dream should evolve to reflect these advancements. Achieving true equality and equity is at the heart of this redefinition. The American Dream has long been a symbol of opportunity and success, but for it to be genuinely equitable, it must recognize and accommodate the different challenges and barriers women face. This includes acknowledging the wage gap, career progression challenges, and societal expectations that women navigate. Redefining the American Dream to include women's contributions and priorities is a step towards addressing these disparities and promoting a more inclusive vision of success.
The rise of digital technology and globalization presents another dimension to this argument. As noted by McKinsey & Company, women in the digital age have opportunities that were
previously unavailable. However, challenges remain, such as the need for skill development in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) fields, where women often lag behind men. In Singapore, for example, women comprised only 27% of the undergraduate computer science program at Nanyang Technological University, despite making up half of all undergraduates. This gap highlights the need for continued efforts to support women in acquiring the skills necessary for success in the digital age. The coming wave of automation, which threatens jobs traditionally held by women, further underscores the urgency of integrating women's roles and contributions into the narrative of the American Dream. The redefinition of the American Dream to include women's contributions is not just a matter of fairness or equality; it is an economic imperative. The McKinsey Global Institute projects that more than 100 million jobs could be created over the next 10–15 years in fields like healthcare and education, where women traditionally excel. This projection suggests that
women's participation in these growing sectors is vital for economic growth and innovation.
Conclusion
It’s evident that the cycle inhibiting female financial independence is a barrier to the evolution of the American Dream into a more inclusive aspiration. It’s striking that the cycle of challenges women face in achieving financial independence is a glaring reflection of a broader societal issue. This cycle isn't just a barrier to personal success; it's a reflection showing us how far we still have to go in creating a society that values men and women equally. The obstacles women encounter create a critical issue, and recognizing these obstacles is essential if we are to genuinely strive for a more progressive society. The American Dream, as it stands, feels out of reach for many because it's entangled in this cycle that disproportionately affects women, especially those from marginalized communities. Recognizing this cycle is about acknowledging the reality of the situation and understanding that
awareness itself is a crucial step. This issue, deeply rooted in our society, demands our attention and acknowledgment.
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