Ruth Sidel examines how modern American women define success differently than in the past. Previously, women were expected to be introverted caretakers dependent on marriage to define their identity. However, today's women see themselves as outgoing, confident, independent, and focused on careers and materialism rather than solely on marriage and family. Sidel provides examples of different women from upper middle class, middle class, working class, and struggling with addiction to show how women now make their own future plans and prioritize their independence over simply getting married.

1. The New American
Dreamers
- Ruth Sidel

2. Group members:-
• Arif Malik
• Amshu Jwarchan
• Robin Kshetri
• Niraj Gurung
• Arpita Shahi

3. 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)

4. 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.

5. Before modernization
• Women were :-
- introvert
- caretaker of the household and the children
- dependent
- restricted to freedom
- identified after marriage

6. Modern period
• Characteristic of today’s women :-
- outgoing
- confident
- independent
- work oriented
- materialistic

7. ...contd
- hard working
- made future plans
- did not give importance to marriage
- bright and thoughtful

8. Examples from the text
• Beth Conant (Upper Middle Class Homes)
• Amy Morrison (Middle Class Homes)
• Jacqueline Gonzalez (Working Class
Homes)
• Simone Baker (Drug Addict)

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

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