At no point does the book use the phrase “American dream.” However, the StoryCorps initiative and many of the interviews in Callings allude to the concept. The American dream is a cultural narrative that promises success and fulfillment for those who work hard. What constitutes success differs from person to person, but it usually includes financial and community support as well as improving one’s personal and familial circumstances.

Social mobility and the American dream are more accessible to some than others; the stories in Callings illustrate many of the roadblocks that can prevent someone’s hard work from materially improving their lives. Obstacles in the text include immigration status, poverty, race, gender, sexuality, and whether someone has been incarcerated. However, Callings also highlights how society can become more equal through passionate work to change it.

Related to work, one’s calling is a job they would do even if they were not paid. While some work is done purely for financial benefit, a calling is work that one is passionate about, the thing one feels they are meant to do with their life. One’s work and calling can be two separate things, but this book focuses on jobs that are both.