There are a couple of reasons that the play is as relevant today as it was when it was first produced.  The most jarring of these is that we still live in a world where socio- economic stratification is still a reality. The historical context in which Hansberry first writes the drama is not that different from where things are today.  There are still "bad" parts of urban centers and people wish to move into the "better" parts.  There is still resistance to such a move and while the pronouncement of this reality might not be on the level of a Lindner warning that "you people" should be aware of "what you're getting into," there is still resistance to the betterment of one's life and the life for one's family.  While this is still relevant, the collusion of race and class as barriers that help to make mobility difficult is another reality that has not changed.  This also helps to make the play almost timeless in its articulation of how both social conditions are still present in the lives of the modern individual. I think that another reason why the drama continues to find an audience is because Walter's choice lies at the heart of this struggle.  He must choose to take Lindner's money and be disrespected in the process or accept difficulty and have his dignity in the process.  While there is much in the drama about barriers that challenge hopes for the future, there is a resounding message that one's dignity becomes the basis for all such action and the more one acts in accordance to this, the better off one will be.  This adds to the fact that the play has resounded with audiences since its initial production.

One of the lasting impacts of this play is the idea that the notion of "America" is a different one to different people.  Part of this play's power lies in the idea that it examines "the dream" from the point of view of the economically challenged and individuals who might not be featured in the upper echelon of American society.  The Younger Family's trials in both economic and social frames of reality are experiences that are felt by many families from different walks of life.  Hansberry's work was so powerful because it broke through in its discussion of the "American neighborhood."  The belief of what constitutes a "neighborhood" was brought out in this play, as individuals were forced to reconsider their notion of racial acceptance and being open to inclusive diversity as a part of what "America" is seen as.

While some of the segregation and racial tensions from Raisin have mostly disappeared, the play still addresses universal human issues which allows it to appeal to a wide array of audiences. For example:

1. Beneatha's search for identityas a college student is one that most humans have experienced. Consider how many college students switch from one major to another, just as Beneatha changes from one interest to another.

2. Walter and Mama's struggle for authorityis also a conflict with which most sons can relate, especially if they have ever lived in their parents' home as adults. Walter's struggle for recognition as a man is even more evident because he, as the head of his household, still has to live under his mother's roof. 

3. The desire to have a place of one's own appeals to most humans--whether it's a home with no landlord telling you how to live or owning a business with no boss breathing down your neck.

Finally, Hansberry includes a great deal of humor in the play which provides comic relief while allowing the audience to ponder serious issues.