U.S. work culture has evolved over the years and altered how we think about productivity and success. Lately, however, people feel like the “American Dream” is more challenging to reach. In this article, we’ll look at how work culture took shape and why it feels tougher to get ahead today.
Early Work Culture In America
In early America, work was primarily about survival. Most worked on farms and relied on crops for food. It was hard work, and there wasn’t much time to rest. People worked to survive, and you were considered successful if you just made enough to get by.
The Industrial Revolution
In the 1800s, the Industrial Revolution changed everything. Factories emerged and people moved to cities to find jobs. This began the concept of long hours and strict schedules. People were no longer in charge of their time. But they hoped hard work would change their finances and lives.
The Rise of Corporate America
By the early 1900s, big corporations like Ford and General Motors expanded. People now worked in factories. The “American Dream” felt like a real possibility. The idea was that anyone could succeed if they worked hard enough. And they could do so no matter their circumstances.
The Post-War Economic Boom
The U.S. saw a huge economic upturn after World War II. The middle class expanded and people started making more money. With higher wages, owning a home and the chance at a better education were possible. The “American Dream” was alive, but not everyone could benefit.
Work Hours and Job Stability
In the 1950s and 1960s, American workers had long-term jobs with benefits. Daily work commitments were predictable and retirement was a realistic goal. Companies looked after their employees and there was an overall sense of security, that isn’t always the general sense today.
The Shift to Neoliberalism in the 1980s
In the 1980s, American work culture transformed. Due to neoliberalism, the government welcomed free-market capitalism. Jobs were less stable because companies started outsourcing work to save on expenses. The idea of job security was beginning to dissolve and wages stayed low while costs continued to rise.
The Gig Economy
Today we see the emergence of the gig economy. More people work freelance or part-time. Workers aren’t getting benefits like health care or retirement and many face financial insecurity.
The American Dream Is Harder to Reach
With sky-high student debt, costly housing, and the incessant pressure to work, the American Dream feels like a long-lost dream. People are struggling with work-life balance, and climbing the ladder feels out of reach.
The American Dream: Will It Ever Return?
The way work culture has drastically developed in the U.S. is evidence of change, however it shows how different the definition of success is today. As jobs and work as we know it becomes less and less stable, it’s no surprise the “myth” of the American Dream seems so distant now.
Sources
“The American Dream” is dead, and barely existed to begin with
Why the American dream feels further off than ever for millennials
