Fewer Americans believe in ‘American dream’: Poll
- Three surveys show a downward trend in the belief
- Half believe political and economic systems are ‘stacked’ against them
- Recent polls have also shown a shift in American’s views and values
Small American flag on a white picket fence in front of a farm house
maylen
(NewsNation) — The number of Americans who believe that the “American dream” still exists has fallen to 36%, according to a Wall Street Journal/NORC survey.
The survey shows a downward trajectory in the belief. Nearly 50% of Americans believed in the prospect in 2016 and 53% did in 2012.
About 50% of voters said life in the U.S. is worse than it was in the 1980s and only 30% believed it has gotten better. Nearly half of those surveyed believe the county’s economic and political systems of “stacked against people like me.”
According to a poll last month by The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research, about three-quarters of respondents described the economy as poor. Two-thirds said their expenses have risen. Only one-quarter said their income has.
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The Wall Street Journal/NORC poll reflects other surveys that show a shift in American values.
According to a recent Gallup poll, Americans have become less religious and patriotic while placing a higher value on money.
In 1998, 62% of Americans found religion very important, dropping to 48% in 2019 and further to 39% in the latest survey — a notable nine-point decrease in just four years.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
