American Dream and Sociology?

Question

Help!

I am trying to remember a sociologist's theory on the American Dream. It involves 4 types of people who each have different labels.

Two of the labels are 'recluse' and 'rebel' and I think another is something like 'innovator'.

I know this is scant information but does anyone know the name of the guy who has this theory? It's something to do with ways and means - people who have both, neither or one or the other.

Thanks.

Answer 1

I'm not familiar with the theory you alluded to in your question but I'm sure you would find Alexis de Tocqueville's astute observations on the American character useful. In Tocqueville's opinion, American society is deeply paradoxical in nature. On the one hand it is egalitarian and democratic, everyone is encouraged to participate in the civic and political life of the community and the nation and in so doing acquires equal status. On the other, Americans strive for the ceaseless accumulation of material wealth which differentiates individuals from each other and creates gross inequalities. This encapsulates the America Dream: Americans are all equal in right and begin their lives on an equal footing, at least in principle. Yet, in the drive to enrich themselves huge gaps in wealth and education are created.