The “American Dream,” a national ethos centered on the belief in equal opportunity and upward socio-economic mobility through hard work, has evolved significantly over time. Originally, it embodied ideals of liberty, justice, and economic democracy, opposing excessive wealth accumulation and economic inequality. However, over the 20th century, it became synonymous with individual economic success, particularly represented by Baby Boomers who thrived in the post-World War II economic boom. Today, Americans face an increasingly wide income and wealth gap that echoes the conditions of the late 19th and early 20th centuries, raising questions about the Dream’s accessibility and relevance. This Article explores how worker cooperatives, which emphasize shared prosperity and democratic ownership, offer a pathway to reinvigorate the American Dream in the 21st century. By converting aging businesses owned by Baby Boomers into worker cooperatives, we can move toward an inclusive economic model that fosters social mobility, equitable opportunity, and sustainable prosperity. This Article examines the history, current conditions, and potential of worker cooperatives as a transformative business model for America ’s economic future.

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