Achievement Ideology

The Confinement of the Achievement Ideology
Why do we pursue higher education? Is it to gain a deeper understanding of the world around us? To participate more within our communities? Or to improve one’s socio-economic standing? The latter serves as enough reason for many, especially those living in poverty, as “education is viewed as remedy for the problem of social inequality” (MacLeod, 2009, 99). In Jay MacLeod’s book, Ain’t No Makin’ It: Aspirations and Attainment in a Low-Income Neighborhood, the reader can follow the Brothers’, specifically Derek and Juan’s, quest on pursuing their hopes of improving their socio-economic standing. While motivated by the achievement ideology, Derek and Juan still encountered several challenges that hindered

Wallace’s comment exemplifies the statements relating to the achievement ideology that teachers pass on to students for motivation. In his book, MacLeod defines the achievement ideology as “the reigning social perspective that sees American society as open and fair and full of opportunity. In this view, success is based on merit, and economic inequality is due to differences in ambition and ability” (MacLeod, 2009, 3). MacLeod’s definition strongly resembles that of the American dream: “[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” (The Library of Congress, The American Dream, n.d.). The similarity between definitions leads many to believe they have the same opportunities of ‘making it,’ disregarding any background factor, such as class, race, or gender. Thus, by working hard, many suppose they can attain the American Dream, reaching success in the eyes of American

Derek and Juan firmly believe in the achievement ideology, believing their education will help them attain better paying and stable jobs, thanks to their parents escaping worse conditions, such as racism in the US and extreme poverty in the Dominican Republic. Affirming the achievement ideology, Derek mentions that in order to get a good job, he has to “work hard in school” (MacLeod, 2009, 91). Juan, and several of the other Brothers, also mentions he aspires to have “a regular house…the easy life” (MacLeod, 2009, 7), things that within his current socio-economic standing are luxuries many take for granted. The Brothers’ expectations for their futures define success through materialistic wealth, not necessarily through personal satisfaction. The achievement ideology has created a new vision of the American Dream in which many view personal success as a competition; they attempt to surpass their current position with the understanding that their current social standing has little