The American Myth Of Social Mobility Summary

The American Myth of Social Mobility is an article that focuses on the “American Dream” and how people strive toward social mobility. The question is whether that is achievable or not. The author makes a point that wealth begins with one generation and typically trickles down from there. Someone with wealthier parents is more likely to become wealthy as well. “We see that there is far less social mobility in the United States than in other countries and other studies have shown clearly that this mobility is declining” (Friedman, 2012). The article centers around the idea that those already successful in society rise to the top, while those lacking in areas will remain at the bottom and a main factor that plays a part is education. While social mobility is declining in the United States and social classes are more established than ever, education may not be
Education does play a part in social classes just as much as social class impacts education. However, the author relies too much on the importance of education and social mobility. Opportunities are given to people that do not receive the same education as other person. Yes, it may be more difficult for someone that does not have a college degree, but it is not impossible. While there is skepticism on this subject, the author provided statistics to prove his point. He explains that out of low income adults who attended college, 16% remained in the lower class while 46% of the low income adults who did not attend college remained in the lower class (Friedman, 2012). The useful statistics to increase significance to education accounting for social mobility.
The American Myth of Social Mobility is an overall informative and accurate article. The author informed the audience of the major impact on social classes and opportunity differences between social groups in America. The author is passionate about this topic and expresses the need to improve social mobility for the sake of all Americans “with a