Impacts of Globalization and Technological Advancement to the American Dream

 Impacts of Globalization and Technological Advancement on the American Dream

In a rapidly developing American society, globalization and technological advancement are critical determinants of how fast or slow the US attains the ultimate ideals of the American Dream. At its core, the American dream entails the “dream of a land in which life should be better and richer and fuller for everyone, with opportunity for each according to ability or achievement” (Combs 230). Lansford further writes, "Interpretation of the good life in the United States is commonly referred to as the American dream” (Lansford 1). As the world becomes more globalized and connected through technology, US citizens acquire a broader meaning of equal opportunity, success, and prosperity. Irrespective of this, “Globalization has helped spread ideas, scientific advances, and new technologies throughout the world” (Siddiquee). Concisely, globalization and technological advancement have considerably impacted the American Dream by enhancing cultural exchange, creating economic disparities, and improving access to information and education.

Enhancing Cultural Exchange

Increased globalization and technological advancements directly strengthen cultural exchange, which is one of the critical driving forces toward realizing the American dream. In most cases, understanding and discovering other people's cultural beliefs and practices increases social cohesion between people from different cultural origins. “A shared cultural background makes people feel more comfortable with others from their culture” (Kottak). Mainly, the shared cultural background is achieved through globalization. Apart from that, the accessibility of digital platforms and social media networks in the US has facilitated cross-cultural communication and understanding. Lansford writes, “The main features of the American dream were vividly presented to the American people through the medium of television” (Lansford 4). Such an increase in interactions has considerably broken down cultural barriers that limit equal opportunities for everyone and fostered a global community in the long run. In essence, globalization and revolutionized technology have propelled economic growth in the US and created the ground for equal access to resources through enhanced cultural acceptance.

Improving Access to Information and Education

Globalization and revolutionized technology are critical development aspects that improve access to information and education through democratizing educational opportunities, pushing for upward mobility, and facilitating innovation and entrepreneurship. With such an approach to sharing information, the majority of the population stands a chance of achieving better access to education and economic literacy. In the US, “The widespread use of educational software and the Internet has greatly impacted how education is delivered and how students and teachers interact (Henderson 1). Apart from that, Henderson indicates that the “Web offered the opportunity for educators to create resources that could be accessed by colleagues and students anywhere in the world” (Henderson 2). Such accessibility has empowered American citizens to pursue their educational aspirations irrespective of geographical limitations or challenging socio-economic status. Consequently, increased access to education and information through globalization and technology is an epic transformational avenue that has fastened the rate at which the US realizes the American dream.

Creating Economic Disparities

The alarming rise of globalization and extreme advancement of technologies has significantly broadened the economic gap among US citizens. Whereas the increased interconnectedness has improved most Americans' lives, the gap between individuals with skills and knowledge to maneuver in the ever-changing economic spectrum and those with relatively no skill is rising at a very concerning rate. In the US, most of the population thriving in the American economy comprises individuals proficiently equipped with the latest technological skills. “According to a 2019 study from Oxford University, more than 20 million jobs worldwide may be lost to automation by 2030” (THE FUTURE OF WORKS 2). The research on the future of work shows that “Americans and citizens worldwide have developed negative perceptions of robotics and AI” due to the risk it poses to people’s ability to realize their dreams (THE FUTURE OF WORKS 5). To a significant degree, the category of the population that depends on traditional-based skills to earn a living or realize their dreams without modern technology is slowly succumbing to an economic crisis. On the other hand, globalization has resulted in an “emphasis on international financial transactions, removing of international trade restrictions and increasing worldwide communication” (Siddiquee). Such a state of affairs has created economic inequality across American society, with those engaging in international trade becoming more economically successful. Figuratively, whereas most Americans manage the new enabling environment created by the rise of globalization and technological advancements to achieve their perceived success, others have been left behind, struggling to secure stable employment and attain economic mobility.

Conclusion

In summary, the interpretation of Americans’ good lives, commonly termed the American Dream, has considerably been impacted by globalization and the extreme advancement of technology. As technology evolves, the chances of more Americans achieving their ultimate potential and success increase. Irrespective of this, the more globalized and technologized the US becomes, the greater the risk to the citizens depending on traditional economic systems. Notably, realizing the American Dream is primarily determined by how well Americans adapt to the ever-changing global issues and technological revolutions.

 

 

Note Cards

1.     Interpretation of the good life in the United States, commonly referred to as the American dream, is an evolving concept that has frequently been redefined throughout the course of American history (Lansford 1). 

2.     The main features of the American dream were vividly presented to the American people through the medium of television (Lansford 4).

3.     The widespread use of educational software and the Internet has greatly impacted how education is delivered and how students and teachers interact (Henderson).

4.     The Web offered the opportunity for educators to create resources that could be accessed by colleagues and students anywhere in the world (Henderson).

5.     According to a 2019 study from Oxford University, more than 20 million jobs worldwide may be lost to automation by 2030 (THE FUTURE OF WORKS 2).

6.     Americans and citizens worldwide have developed negative perceptions of robotics and AI (THE FUTURE OF WORKS 5).

7.     Globalization has helped spread ideas, scientific advances, and new technologies throughout the world (Siddiquee).

8.     Globalization emphasizes international financial transactions, the removal of international trade restrictions, and increasing worldwide communication (Siddiquee).

9.     A shared cultural background makes people feel more comfortable with others from their culture (Kottak).

10.  The American Dream is a dream of a land in which life should be better and richer and fuller for everyone, with opportunity for each according to ability or achievement (Combs 230).