Redefining Success in America: A New Theory of Happiness and Human Development

Michael Kaufman's book "Redefining Success in America" challenges the myth of the American Dream by revealing that formative experiences in family, school, and community shape a future adult's worldview and wellbeing, not by competitive success. He conducts a longitudinal study with clinical interviews and quantitative evidence to redefine the conversation about happiness and how adults develop.

Format: Hardback
Length: 304 pages
Publication date: 18 July 2018
Publisher: The University of Chicago Press

The pursuit of the American Dream, which involves working hard in school, graduating from a top college, and establishing a high-paying professional career, is a common aspiration for many individuals. However, fundamental questions about the ultimate rewards of this competitive journey remain unanswered. Does competitive success, even rare entry into prestigious institutions like the Ivy League and the top one percent of earners in America, truly deliver on its promise of happiness? In his book, "Redefining Success in America," psychologist and human development scholar Michael Kaufman offers a groundbreaking perspective on the role of elite undergraduate education and careers in shaping individuals' lives and happiness.

Through a longitudinal study that spans decades, Kaufman revisits the legendary Harvard Student Study of undergraduates from the 1960s and conducts interviews with participants nearly fifty years later. He reveals that formative experiences in family, school, and community play a significant role in shaping a future adult's worldview and well-being by late adolescence. Importantly, he challenges the myth that ever-greater competitive success is the key to happiness in adulthood.

Published research on general samples supports Kaufman's findings, indicating that these patterns are broadly applicable to diverse populations in the United States. By leveraging biography-length clinical interviews and quantitative evidence unmatched by earlier landmark studies of human development, "Redefining Success in America" redefines the conversation about the nature and origins of happiness, as well as how adults develop.

This longitudinal study pioneers a new paradigm in happiness research, developmental science, and personality psychology that will appeal to scholars. It sheds light on the importance of early experiences and the role of family, community, and personal growth in shaping individuals' lives and well-being. Through his insightful analysis, Kaufman provides valuable insights into the complexities of pursuing success and happiness in America.

Weight: 500g
Dimension: 160 x 236 x 18 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780226550015