The American Dream
One of the more interesting arguments in housing and community development connects the narrative of the American Dream–or more specifically the public and private efforts that allow(ed) it to be pursued–to disinvestment in the inner city. “The Geography of Opportunity” by DUSP Professor Xavier de Souza Briggs really crystallizes this argument.
An inter-generational concept of the American Dream would center on family and mobility. Since colonial times, American was known as the “Land of Opportunity,” a place that pulled people because of the chance for a better individual chance of success. In the 20th century, the American Dream took on connotation of moving to the suburbs, buying a home and designing the ideal environment for childrearing. When you even consider the magnitude of remittances from the US from immigrants to other countries, I think it becomes even clearer how much family and mobility are critical components of the American Dream.
