Polling News

Voters See American Dream Slipping Out of Reach

November 30, 2023

The American Dream feels to be slipping away for many families, according to a new survey from Wall Street Journal/NORC. There was a time when many Americans viewed this as the land of opportunity, but today only 36% of voters said the “American Dream still holds true.”

Why It Matters: As reports of inflation, high housing prices, international turmoil, and political division fill the daily headlines, it’s not surprising Americans are negative about the what’s ahead. It’s discouraging that younger Americans are one of the most pessimistic groups when it comes to their view of future opportunities.  

By The Numbers:

  • Today, only 36% of Americans believe the American Dream still holds true, down from 53% in 2012.  
  • When the Wall Street Journal asked whether Americans who work hard were likely to get ahead, 68% said yes–almost twice as many who say the American Dream no longer holds true today.
  • Younger Americans are the most despondent about their future. Only 28% of Americans under 50 years old said the American Dream still holds true, compared to 48% of those 65 years old and older. 

The Bottom Line: America has long been a “shining city on the hill” for the world, a place where one could achieve his or her dream thru hard work. That dream seems to be further and further out of reach for many Americans who want to buy a house, go to college or start a family. This spells trouble for President Joe Biden as he looks to his re-election.  

 

Related PollingNews

Placeholder polling news
July 25, 2024 |
Polling News
There have been the equivalent of years of news cycles since the Republican National Convention last week, considering since that time President Joe Biden ended re-election campaign and Vice President Kamala Harris clinched the Democratic nomination. ...
Placeholder polling news
July 18, 2024 |
Polling News
According to a new Axios Vibes Survey by The Harris Poll, Latino Republicans are more enthusiastic about voting this November than Latino Democrats, a sign of the opportunity the Trump-Vance ticket and down ballot GOP candidates have in making inroads wit...
Placeholder polling news
July 11, 2024 |
Polling News
Democrats clamoring for Joe Biden to step aside may not find relief with Kamala Harris.  ...
Placeholder polling news
July 04, 2024 |
Polling News
There’s been much anticipation about post-debate polls to see what movement there’s been after President Joe Biden’s disastrous debate performance one week ago.  ...
Button karlsbooks
Button readinglist
Button nextapperance