The Protestant Work Ethic and the Making of the American Dream:

Abstract

The Protestant work ethic, rooted in the teachings of the Reformation, has played a crucial role in shaping American cultural and economic identity. This dissertation examines the ways in which Protestant values, particularly those emphasizing hard work, individual responsibility, frugality, and success as a sign of divine favor, have influenced the evolution of the American Dream. It traces the historical development of these values from colonial America to modern times, exploring their impact on economic practices, social mobility, and national identity. Drawing on Max Weber’s concept of the Protestant ethic, this study investigates the role of Puritanism in shaping early American attitudes toward labor and success. It further examines how these values were institutionalized in the 19th and 20th centuries, influencing economic expansion, industrialization, and the formation of the middle class. Additionally, the study addresses contemporary challenges to the Protestant work ethic, including rising economic inequality, globalization, and shifting cultural attitudes toward work and success. Using an interdisciplinary approach, the research integrates historical analysis, sociological theory, and economic perspectives. Primary sources such as sermons, economic treatises, and political speeches are analyzed alongside secondary literature in American history, religious studies, and economic sociology. By providing a comprehensive historical and cultural analysis, this dissertation contributes to the understanding of the enduring power of Protestant values in shaping American aspirations and economic behaviors.