As cliche as it may sound, times have and are changing. That means that the idea of the American Dream has as well, especially for women. Women are no longer staying at home caring for children, that ideal seems to be almost old-fashion in this era. However, women are strong forces in the work field and are independent. The American Dream for women now involves advancing ourselves and diminishing the line between genders.
American Beauty
America is a diverse mixing bowl of cultures, so naturally the old ideal of American Beauty is changing as well. Woman are creating what they feel is beautiful and setting an example for society. The American Beauty can be any size and possess any physical features, her beauty is revealed from within by examples of strength, empowerment, and intelligence. The old standards of having to look like an All-American Beauty are no longer modern and being culturally aware of your heritage is creating a new type of American Beauty.
Setting an Example in the Workplace
Women and men are equals in any atmosphere. So, it is natural that women are demanding equality in the workplace whether it's for same pay salaries or gaining respect with coworkers. We are no longer dreaming of getting married and having children, rather we are dreaming of becoming CEOs, doctors and lawyers. Relying on ourselves for stability and happiness. Now, the American Dream is to focus on career goals and achieving those goals. Being independent is also a major focus and having control over our future to create our own American Dream.
Changing the Focus
Prior to the sixties, the woman’s main focus was to have children and manage the household. But since the revolution of ideals and the feminist movement, women are setting aside those old-fashioned standards. Along with gaining momentum in the employment world, women are multitasking, raising children by themselves and managing home life. Some women are evening avoiding having children to focus on their own growth.
The Strive to Gain Knowledge
Another new aspect of the American Dream is the need to gain knowledge through education. Advanced degrees and attending college are now drilled into students heads from a young age, thus striving to do well and be able to attend a university furthers the possibility of success and achieving that American Dream. College assists us in being to able to hone the skills necessary to become successful in the work field and gain networking skills.
Marriage Isn’t a Requirement Anymore
Another cliche to the American Dream was the factor that marriage among having a family and living in the suburbs was absolutely necessary, which it isn't anymore. Being married isn't a requirement to be considered successful. It is placed on the back burner so to speak while the career is the main focus. Woman are not striving to get married and ignoring their independence, rather the opposite.
Leaving the Suburbs
The last ideal of the old American Dream included living in a nice home—in the suburbs—and being the ideal wife. This is no longer valid. Leaving in a city and having a relationship that is an equal partnership is more common now, they are actually more strived for than the prior ideal.
