Just 1 in 3 US voters still believe in ‘American dream’ – poll – Analysis

The belief in the American dream, which claims that anyone can achieve success through hard work, has halved among Americans in the past year, according to a Wall Street Journal-NORC poll. Only 36% of respondents still have faith in the American dream, compared to the majority who agreed with the statement in the previous year’s survey. In addition, 45% of respondents believed that the American dream was once true but no longer is, and 18% stated that it had never been true. This shows a significant decline in belief in the American dream, which has been an integral part of American identity.

The poll results indicate a declining optimism regarding the US economy. The percentage of respondents who believed in the American dream dropped from 68% in the previous year’s survey to 36% in the current survey. Another survey conducted in 2016 by a different provider found that 48% still believed in the American dream, down from 53% in 2012. This suggests a continuous downward trend in belief in the American dream over the years.

The poll also revealed that 50% of respondents believed that life in the US has worsened in the past 50 years, while only 30% believed it has improved. Moreover, half of the respondents agreed that the economic and political system is biased against people like them, while only 39% disagreed. These findings indicate a sense of discontent and a belief that the current system is stacked against the average person.

The survey results also highlight the role of age and gender in shaping beliefs about the American dream. Only 28% of respondents under the age of 50 believed in the power of hard work to get ahead in life, compared to 48% of those over 65. Men were more likely to have confidence in the American dream, with 46% of them believing in its viability, while only 28% of women held the same belief.

Despite the declining belief in the American dream, respondents had a more positive outlook on the economy compared to previous polls. This may be attributed to the drop in inflation from last year’s high, which has improved the affordability of goods and services. However, the economy remains a major source of anxiety for many Americans, as indicated by other recent polls.

The credibility of the source, the Wall Street Journal, adds to the reliability of the information presented in the article. It is a well-established and reputable news outlet known for its coverage of business and economic news. The poll conducted by NORC, a research organization affiliated with the University of Chicago, also contributes to the credibility of the findings.

The article does not show any obvious biases in its presentation of facts, and it provides a balanced perspective by including different survey results and opinions. However, it is crucial to consider the impact of the political landscape and the prevalence of fake news on the public’s perception of this information. The political climate can influence how individuals interpret and respond to data, leading to the polarization of views. Additionally, the prevalence of fake news can contribute to misinformation and lead to a lack of nuanced understanding of complex issues such as the state of the American dream and the economy. It is essential for individuals to critically evaluate the sources and information they encounter to form informed opinions.

Source: RT news: Just 1 in 3 US voters still believe in ‘American dream’ – poll