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Is the American dream alive or dead?
Report

Is the American dream alive or dead?

It depends on where you look.

EIG, 2018

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Editorial Rating

9

Qualities

  • Controversial
  • Eye Opening
  • Engaging

Recommendation

The American Dream has been getting a lot of attention lately, especially from those who have become frustrated in their attempts to achieve it. While the accepted wisdom is that everyone has an equal shot at upward mobility, the reality is quite another. This enlightening article from the Economic Innovation Group provides hard evidence of where the American Dream is thriving and where it is falling short. getAbstract recommends it to economists, politicians and anyone interested in mobility trends in the United States. 

Summary

Americans believe that, if they work hard enough, they can live a better life. But for many people, that vision does not translate into reality. The ability to ascend beyond one’s birth status depends heavily on location, economic class and other factors beyond individuals’ control. In a study of 2,869 US counties, those defined as prosperous offer the most fertile ground for upward mobility, particularly for children from poorer backgrounds. At the same time, income inequality in poor counties makes it more difficult for needy children to climb the social...

About the Author

The Economic Innovation Group is a public policy entity specializing in entrepreneurship, economics and communities.