The New American Dreamers

- Ruth Sidel

Group members:-

• Arif Malik • Amshu Jwarchan• Robin Kshetri• Niraj Gurung • Arpita Shahi

About Ruth Sidel• A professor of sociology at Hunter College• Her books are focused on women’s roles in society.

• Some of her books: - Women and Child Care in China: A Firsthand

Report (1972) - Women and Children Last: The Plight of Poor

Women in Affluent America (1987) - On Her Own: Growing up in the Shadow of the

American Dream (1990)

Introduction

• The author examines the ways young women in United States define success.

• Difference in thoughts of modern women.

• Today’s women focus on building their future.

Before modernization

• Women were :-

- introvert - caretaker of the household and the children - dependent - restricted to freedom - identified after marriage

Modern period

• Characteristic of today’s women :-

- outgoing

- confident

- independent

- work oriented

- materialistic

...contd

- hard working

- made future plans

- did not give importance to marriage

- bright and thoughtful

Examples from the text

• Beth Conant (Upper Middle Class Homes)• Amy Morrison (Middle Class Homes)• Jacqueline Gonzalez (Working Class

Homes)• Simone Baker (Drug Addict)

Conclusion

• Change in the attitude of women. • Women-more work oriented.• Independent• Their own identity