The Declining Economy Revision Notes for Leaving Cert History

The American Dream - What You Need to Know

What It Represented

The American Dream in the 1960s symbolised the idea that anyone, regardless of their background, could achieve success and upward social mobility through hard work and determination. Key elements of the American Dream included:

→ Owning a home

→ Having a stable job

→ Access to education

→ A family

→ The use of Consumer goods

Owning a home was seen as a major milestone of success and stability.
Having a good, stable job that could support a family was central to the dream.
Access to quality education was considered essential for achieving the dream, providing opportunities for better careers and personal growth.
A prosperous family life, including raising children in a safe, supportive environment, was a key aspect of the dream.
The ability to purchase modern consumer goods, such as cars, appliances, and televisions, was also a sign of achieving the American Dream.

The Organisation Man

The term "Organisation Man" was popularised by William H. Whyte in his 1956 book of the same name. It described a social character type emerging in the 1950s and 1960s:

The Organisation Man worked in large corporations or bureaucratic organisations, where conformity and loyalty to the company were highly valued.
He often lived in the suburbs, embodying the ideals of the middle class.
The Organisation Man prioritised the collective needs of the company over individual aspirations and creativity.
He sought job security and steady advancement within the corporate structure, often at the cost of personal freedom and innovation.
The lifestyle of the Organisation Man reflected a broader societal trend towards uniformity and conformity in both personal and professional life.

Critics of the American Dream

Critics of the American Dream in the 1960s argued that it was not achievable for everyone and had several flaws:

Critics pointed out that the dream was largely inaccessible to minorities and the poor, perpetuating social and economic inequalities.
Some argued that the focus on consumer goods and material success led to excessive materialism and overlooked more meaningful aspects of life, such as personal fulfilment and community.
The pressure to conform to societal norms, as embodied by the Organisation Man, stifled individuality, creativity, and critical thinking.
The emphasis on suburban living and consumerism contributed to environmental degradation, including urban sprawl and pollution.
The pursuit of the American Dream often led to stress and dissatisfaction, as people felt pressured to meet societal expectations and maintain a facade of success.

Key Terms

American Dream: The belief that anyone can achieve success and upward social mobility through hard work and determination.

Organisation Man: A term describing a social character type that emerged in the 1950s and 1960s, characterised by conformity, loyalty to the company, and prioritising job security over individualism.

Test Yourself Questions

1. What were the main components of the American Dream in the 1960s?

Homeownership, stable job, education, family life, and consumer goods.

2. Who was the Organisation Man, and what did he represent?

The Organisation Man worked in large corporations, prioritised job security and conformity, and lived in middle-class suburbia.

3. What were some criticisms of the American Dream in the 1960s?

It was inaccessible to minorities and the poor, promoted materialism, stifled individuality, contributed to environmental degradation, and led to stress and dissatisfaction.

4. How did critics view the impact of the American Dream on individuality and creativity?

They believed the pressure to conform stifled individuality, creativity, and critical thinking.

5. Why did some critics argue that the American Dream contributed to environmental issues?

The emphasis on suburban living and consumerism led to urban sprawl and pollution.

The Declining Economy (Leaving Cert History): Revision Notes