how has the american dream changed 
over time the american dream has shifted from an ethos of equality and solidarity to one of individualistic competition to succeed materialistically fueled by consumption in the 1990s and early 2000s mortgage company fannie mae began promulgating the notion that buying a home was a cornerstone of the american dream and use the term prominently in ads selling home loans 8 this ideology led to the housing boom and ultimate bubble that popped ultimately leading to the 2008 09 financial crisis the bottom linethe concept of the american dream is still one of the most uniquely american ideals the ultimate idea that any individual should be able to pursue their dreams and build the life they want if they put in the hard work this motivating drive influences the economy with entrepreneurship and individual ambition infusing a romantic notion to anyone trying to be successful in the united states though the definition of the american dream has changed to mean different things to different generations it s undoubtedly part of the american ethos 