Noam Chomsky's Requiem for the American Dream provides a compelling critique of wealth inequality and corporate influence in American politics. Reviews praise Chomsky's clear analysis and engaging arguments, though some note his pessimistic tone and lack of actionable solutions. Nonetheless, it is widely regarded as a significant contribution to political discourse.

A reader who values critical analysis of social and political structures would enjoy Requiem for the American Dream by Noam Chomsky. Comparable to Capital in the Twenty-First Century by Thomas Piketty and The Shock Doctrine by Naomi Klein, it suits those interested in inequality, democracy, and the concentration of wealth and power.

Requiem for the American Dream by Noam Chomsky analyzes the rise of income inequality in the US over the past four decades, attributing it to neoliberalism’s concentration of wealth and power among the elite. Chomsky outlines ten principles employed by the wealthy to undermine democracy, including financialization, manipulating ideology, shifting economic burdens, attacking solidarity, influencing elections, controlling regulations, undermining labor, manufacturing consent, and promoting division to maintain control. The book examines how these methods affect socioeconomic conditions and democratic values in contemporary society. The book addresses sensitive topics such as systemic economic inequality and political manipulation.

Noam Chomsky

Adult

Book

Nonfiction

Guide

Study Guide

title

content

Overview

Get ready to explore Requiem for the American Dream and its meaning. Our full analysis and study guide provides an even deeper dive with character analysis and quotes explained to help you discover the complexity and beauty of this book.

Requiem for the American Dream Summary and Study Guide

Background

Requiem for the American Dream Background

chapter

chapterType

section

Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Preface-Principle 3

Requiem for the American Dream Preface-Principle 3 Summary & Analysis

Principles 4-7

Requiem for the American Dream Principles 4-7 Summary & Analysis

Principles 8-10

Requiem for the American Dream Principles 8-10 Summary & Analysis

keyFigure

Key Figures

Requiem for the American Dream Key Figures

theme

Themes

Requiem for the American Dream Themes

Index of Terms

Requiem for the American Dream Index of Terms

quote

citation

character

Important Quotes

Requiem for the American Dream Important Quotes

primaryCharacter

Essay Topics

Requiem for the American Dream Essay Topics

Requiem for the American Dream: The 10 Principles of Concentration of Wealth & Power

Before You Read

Reviews & Readership

Review Roundup

Who Should Read Requiem for the American Dream?

Reading Age

Book Details