The Atlantic/Aspen Institute Survey 2015: The American Dream

The Atlantic/Aspen Institute
The American Dream
June 2015
The American Dream
June 2015
1
The American Dream
Summary Report

The American Dream
June 2015
2
The American Dream
June 2015
PSB conducted an quantitative online survey in the US among 1,988 Gen Pop and 513 Broad Elites.
Methodology
Audiences PolledMethodology
SAMPLING
US
Gen Pop Broad Elites
Sample Size 1988 513
Margin of Error** ±1.75% ±3.58%
TIMING: June 8 - June 19, 2015 Gen Pop
Broad Elites
• College graduate or higher
• Income of $75,000 or more a year
• Engaged with politics/technology
Research Objectives:
 Defining the Dream—associations and obtainability of the American Dream
 Identifying barriers to the Dream—greatest obstacles to achieving the dream
 Reducing Barriers—Identifying whether there is a need or not, who is responsible, and best methods to reduce barriers
 Understanding American perceptions surrounding the American Dream today— core concepts of the dream, prevalence, and
views on the nation as a whole
2

The American Dream
June 2015
The American Dream
June 2015
The key takeaways
The American Dream is perceived to be “suffering”
 While majorities within almost all key demographic groups believe the American Dream is “suffering”, white Americans are more pessimistic than
other ethnic groups.
 Those over 65 years old are most likely to believe they are living the dream - 66% vs only 41% of Millennials (under 30 years old).
 While most age and ethnic groups are split as to whether the dream is attainable for most or only a few Americans, strong majorities (over 60%)
believe it remains achievable if you work hard.
 White Americans are very pessimistic about their children’s/the next generation’s ability to achieve the dream, most other ethnic groups are much
more optimistic.
Americans upbeat about personal situation
 Very few differences across age or ethnic groups in terms of satisfaction with life and optimism toward the future.
 Non-white ethnic groups are somewhat more positive than white Americans.
 While younger age groups are more attuned to technology (e.g. more likely to want the latest smartphone than latest model car), there are few
real differences what they own or want.
 While most millennials are somewhat more likely to want to live in urban areas than older age cohorts to live in urban areas, most (52%) still
prefer a house in the suburbs.
 The biggest difference in where people prefer to live is between white Americans and other ethnic groups. White Americans are much more likely
to prefer a rural environment than other groups (31%, with the next highest preferring rural at 16%).
Strong concerns that America is on the wrong track, and uncertainty about its future
 While most believe America is on the wrong track, younger age groups are more optimistic than other age groups.
 Similarly, non-white ethnic groups are more positive than white Americans.
 White Americans are split as to whether America’s best days are ahead or behind, but African Americans (80%), Hispanic (63%) and Asian
Americans (73%) are much more optimistic that America’s best days are ahead of it.
3

The American Dream
June 2015
The American Dream
June 2015
AMERICANS’ PERSONAL
SITUATION
4

The American Dream
June 2015
The American Dream
June 2015
Americans are satisfied with their lives and optimistic about the future
Q12. How satisfied are you with your life?
Q13. How optimistic are you about your future?
4 1
11
5
50
41
36
52
Optimism about Future
3
11
5
49
39
36
56
Satisfaction with Life
5
Very Satisfied
Somewhat Dissatisfied
Somewhat Satisfied
Very Dissatisfied
Very Optimistic
Somewhat Pessimistic
Somewhat Optimistic
Very Pessimistic
85
95 86 93

The American Dream
June 2015
The American Dream
June 2015
Most believe they have had or will have the opportunity to achieve both
personal and professional goals
Q14. Have you had, or do you believe you will have, the opportunities you need to achieve your personal goals?
Q15. Have you had, or do you believe you will have, the opportunities you need to achieve your professional goals?
94
81
6
19
Broad Elites
Gen Pop
Do you believe you’ve had, or will have,
the opportunity to achieve your
personal goals?
Yes No
88
73
12
27
Broad Elites
Gen Pop
Do you believe you’ve had, or will have,
the opportunity to achieve your
professional goals?
Yes No
• Broad Elites are more positive in this belief than Gen Pop
6

The American Dream
June 2015
The American Dream
June 2015
51-64 year-olds are the least optimistic about their ability to achieve their goals
82
75
82
85
18
25
18
15
65+
51-64
31-50
30 or younger
Do you believe you’ve had, or will have, the
opportunity to achieve your personal
goals?
Yes No
7
73
66
75
77
27
34
25
23
65+
51-64
31-50
30 or younger
opportunity to achieve your professional
goals?
Yes No

The American Dream
June 2015
The American Dream
June 2015
African-Americans and Hispanics are the most optimistic about their ability to
achieve their goals
73
83
82
70
27
17
18
30
Asian
Latino/Hispanic
African-American
White
opportunity to achieve your professional
goals?
Yes No
8
79
86
89
79
21
14
11
21
Asian
Latino/Hispanic
African-American
White
opportunity to achieve your personal
goals?
Yes No

The American Dream
June 2015
The American Dream
June 2015
Most Americans feel secure about their personal financial situation
Q16. How secure do you feel about your personal financial situation?
11 1
22
10
49
51
18
37
Personal Financial Security
9
Very Secure
Somewhat Insecure
Somewhat Secure
Very Insecure
67
88

The American Dream
June 2015
The American Dream
June 2015
10 11 12 7
28 20 22
19
45
50 50
50
16 19 16
24
30 or younger 31-50 51-64 65+
Older Americans feel more financially secure than younger Americans
10
Very Secure
Somewhat Insecure
Somewhat Secure
Very Insecure
61 69 66 74

The American Dream
June 2015
The American Dream
June 2015
Asian and Hispanic Americans feel more financially secure than white or
African-Americans
11 9
5 7
23 23
21 20
50
47
47
56
17
20 26
17
White African-American Latino/Hispanic Asian
11
Very Secure
Somewhat Insecure
Somewhat Secure
Very Insecure
67 7367 73

The American Dream
June 2015
The American Dream
June 2015
3 1
8 8
18
9
45
49
27
31
Gen Pop
N=1028
Broad Elites
N=437
Happiness with Working
Neither Happy nor Unhappy
Completely Happy
Somewhat Unhappy
Somewhat Happy
Completely Unhappy
Most Americans are happy with their current employment
Q27. Are you happy or unhappy in your job?
12
80
72

The American Dream
June 2015
The American Dream
June 2015
DEFINING THE
AMERICAN DREAM
13

The American Dream
June 2015
The American Dream
June 2015
Q139. Which of the following are most important to your, personal, American Dream? Please select top 5 that apply.
Most Important Characteristics of the American Dream
Ranked by Gen Pop Gen Pop
Broad
Elites
Living comfortably 41 38
Achieving financial security 37 41
Being debt-free 36 26
Providing a comfortable quality of life for your family 35 36
A healthy marriage 28 27
Owning a nice home 26 25
Having affordable healthcare 24 20
Pursuing happiness 23 22
Being free to pursue your personal or professional passions 18 20
Getting ahead through hard work 18 22
A healthy balance between my professional and personal
lives
17 23
Helping others 16 15
Most Important Characteristics of the American Dream
(cont.) Gen Pop
Broad
Elites
Retiring when you want 16 18
Having access to a good education 14 17
Having kids 14 14
My children attending college 13 18
Lifelong friends 13 8
Having a job that has a meaningful impact on my
community/society
9 12
Being/becoming wealthy 8 8
Living in a family-oriented suburban community 7 11
Americans view ability to provide a secure, comfortable life for themselves and
their family as central to their own, personal American Dream
Top Answers
14

The American Dream
June 2015
The American Dream
June 2015
Most Important Themes of the American Dream
Broad
Elites
Financial security 79 77
Owning your own business 7 6
Traditional family values 67 71
Having kids 14 14
Comfort, quality of life 63 62
Personal happiness 54 57
A healthy balance between my professional and personal lives 17 23
(cont.)
Gen Pop
Broad
Elites
Living near your peers 1 2
Having a job that has a meaningful impact on my community/society 9 12
Luxury 23 23
Owning a nice car 7 5
Taking yearly vacations 6 7
Traveling to other countries 5 6
Having the latest technology 4 4
Having a vacation or second home 2 3
Membership in exclusive social club or organization 1 1
Access to great technology and entertainment online 2 1
Living in a vibrant urban neighborhood 4 5
Other 1 0
Americans view Financial Security as central to their own, personal American
Dream
15

The American Dream
June 2015
The American Dream
June 2015
Most Important Themes of the American
Dream
Ranked by 30 or Younger
30 or
younger
31-50 51-64 65+
Financial security 80 75 80 83
Being debt-free 37 31 40 42
Achieving financial security 31 35 41 46
Getting ahead through hard work 17 17 19 22
Retiring when you want 13 13 20 20
Owning your own business 11 7 6 3
Being/becoming wealthy 10 11 4 2
Traditional family values 67 68 66 68
A healthy marriage 29 26 27 30
Owning a nice home 25 26 27 26
Having kids 20 15 10 11
Having access to a good education 14 14 14 18
My children attending college 13 17 12 8
Living in a family-oriented suburban community 8 9 4 4
Personal happiness 61 52 56 49
Pursuing happiness 32 23 18 15
Being free to pursue your personal or professional passions 18 18 19 19
lives
18 18 20 11
Lifelong friends 17 9 15 15
Living near your peers 2 1 1 0
Dream
(cont.)
30 or
younger
31-50 51-64 65+
Comfort, quality of life 48 62 71 73
Living comfortably 31 39 47 49
Providing a comfortable quality of life for your family 21 38 38 42
Luxury 32 23 20 15
Traveling to other countries 9 5 3 5
Owning a nice car 6 7 7 5
Taking yearly vacations 7 6 7 5
Having the latest technology 6 5 2 1
Membership in exclusive social club or organization 5 1 0 0
Access to great technology and entertainment online 3 1 2 0
Having a vacation or second home 2 2 2 1
Helping others 22 23 24 29
community/society
9 10 7 11
Having affordable healthcare 11 20 33 38
Living in a vibrant urban neighborhood 7 4 3 2
Other 0 1 1 3
All ages view Financial Security as central to their own, personal American
Dream
16

The American Dream
June 2015
The American Dream
June 2015
Dream
Ranked by White
White
African-
American
Latino/
Hispanic
Asian
Financial security 79 80 79 71
Achieving financial security 39 31 33 38
Being debt-free 36 40 35 33
Getting ahead through hard work 19 12 22 12
Retiring when you want 17 16 10 12
Being/becoming wealthy 6 13 10 16
Owning your own business 5 13 7 8
Traditional family values 68 66 64 63
A healthy marriage 29 27 25 19
Owning a nice home 27 28 19 25
Having kids 15 13 15 8
Having access to a good education 14 11 16 14
My children attending college 12 15 15 10
Living in a family-oriented suburban community 5 11 9 13
Comfort, quality of life 67 54 51 51
Living comfortably 43 39 33 34
Providing a comfortable quality of life for your family 40 23 25 27
Personal happiness 57 51 46 66
Pursuing happiness 23 27 18 23
Being free to pursue your personal or professional
passions
20 11 13 23
Dream
(cont.)
White
African-
American
Latino/
Hispanic
Asian
lives
18 13 18 25
Lifelong friends 14 11 11 14
Living near your peers 0 2 4 1
Having affordable healthcare 26 17 23 16
community/society
9 8 11 16
Luxury 20 30 28 37
Taking yearly vacations 6 5 7 9
Owning a nice car 5 12 9 12
Traveling to other countries 4 9 8 9
Having the latest technology 3 1 7 12
Having a vacation or second home 2 3 2 5
Membership in exclusive social club or organization 1 3 4 0
Access to great technology and entertainment online 1 3 1 1
Living in a vibrant urban neighborhood 3 6 6 3
Other 1 1 0 0
All ethnicities view Financial Security as central to their own, personal
American Dream
17

The American Dream
June 2015
The American Dream
June 2015
Ranked by Gen Pop Parents
Non-
Parent
Financial Security 77 82
Owning your own business 6 8
Traditional family values 74 58
Having kids 18 9
Comfort, quality of life 66 58
Personal happiness 52 58
A healthy balance between my professional and personal lives 17 17
(cont.)
Parents
Non-
Parent
Living near your peers 1 1
Helping Others 23 25
Having a job that has a meaningful impact on my community/society 8 11
Luxury 20 27
Owning a nice car 5 8
Taking yearly vacations 7 6
Traveling to other countries 4 8
Having the latest technology 3 5
Having a vacation or second home 2 2
Membership in exclusive social club or organization 1 2
Access to great technology and entertainment online 2 2
Living in a vibrant urban neighborhood 4 5
Other 1 1
Compared to Non-Parents, Parents view Traditional family values as central to
their own, personal American Dream
18

The American Dream
June 2015
The American Dream
June 2015
19
The American Dream in their own words
“Stability in the economy, freedom from terrorism, safe
community environment, less government, good jobs.”
– Gen Pop
“Ability to afford a home, a good education at
reasonable cost, a job that would provide
stepping stone for advancement.” – Broad Elite “Where a person can achieve
their goals .” – Broad Elite
“Being able to work hard and get ahead.”
– Broad Elite
“Live in a world where it is healthy to breathe clean air, drink clean water,
have access to low cost medical care. Provide for your family and have a
roof of their head. Not be afraid to go out for fear of being shot or killed.”
– Gen Pop
“Having enough of what you need to be comfortable and
enough to share with those who have little. A home to live
in, clothes to wear, food to eat. Friends to share with and
a family close enough to visit with.” – Gen Pop
“Next generation should do better than the previous
generation.” – Gen Pop
“Able to have free or inexpensive medical care, reasonably
priced housing, reasonably priced education, lots of job
opportunities with a reasonable wage.” – Gen Pop
“Being able to get a good education and
buy a home without being in debt the rest
of your life.” – Gen Pop
“Depends on your circumstances, for
some it is just making it to tomorrow while
others it is making the next billion.”
– Gen Pop
“Financial stability along with pursuing your
passions.” – Broad Elite
“The ability to come up from nothing to achieve
a comfortable life.” – Broad Elite
“Own a home, good education for kids,
no debt.” – Broad Elite
“It’s different for every individual, it has no one
definition.” – Broad Elite

The American Dream
June 2015
The American Dream
June 2015
Q140.mA-Q170.mA. How attainable are each of the following for the average American?
Most believe that the key characteristics of the American Dream are achievable
20
76
60
53
77
89
74
49
85
72
87
82
68
62
87
94
78
52
92
82
92
Living
comfortably
Achieving
financial security
Being debt-free Providing a
comfortable
quality of life for
your family
A healthy
marriage
Owning a nice
home
Having
affordable
healthcare
Pursuing
happiness
Being free to
pursue your
personal or
professional
passions
Getting ahead
through hard
work
How Attainable are the Most Important Characteristics of the American Dream?
Top 10 Most Important Elements of American Dream Shown
Top 2 Box Shown
Ranked by Most Important
GenPop Broad Elite

The American Dream
June 2015
The American Dream
June 2015
Q129. Which of the following do you associate with the term “American Dream”? Please select all that apply.
Americans most commonly see the American Dream as Inspiring, Motivating,
and Patriotic
44 43
36
27 27 27
21 21
17 17
7 7
3
57 57
42
37
27
23
17 18
11
20
5 5
2
Inspiring Motivating Patriotic Essential Realistic Old-Fashioned Misleading Cliché Impossible Unique Fraudulent Irrelevant Other
Characteristics Associated
with the American Dream
21

The American Dream
June 2015
The American Dream
June 2015
Q129. Which of the following do you associate with the term “American Dream”? Please select all that apply.
Younger audiences think that the American Dream is Inspiring or Motivating,
but are also more likely to view it as Old-fashioned, Misleading, and Cliché
38 38
35
32 33
28
21
17 17
19
13
11
2
38
41
27
20
35
19
27
20
24
18
5
8
1
47
49
23
19
36
18
29
15
33
14
5 5 4
58
52
21
14
43
16
35
11
40
17
3 4 5
Motivating Inspiring Old-Fashioned Misleading Patriotic Cliché Realistic Impossible Essential Unique Irrelevant Fraudulent Other
Characteristics Associated
with the American Dream
30 or under 31-50 51-64 65+
22

The American Dream
June 2015
The American Dream
June 2015
Q175. Do you think getting married is part of the American dream?
Q176. Do you think having children is part of the American dream?
When asked directly, roughly half of all respondents indicate that getting
married and having children are part of the American Dream
51 51
62
51
42
47
Gen Pop Elites 30 or
under
31-50 51-64 65+
Is Marriage Part of the American
Dream?
% Yes Shown
55 57
62
55
48
53
Gen Pop Elites 30 or
under
31-50 51-64 65+
Is Having Children Part of the American
Dream?
% Yes Shown
• Millennials especially view marriage and children as part of the American Dream
23

The American Dream
June 2015
The American Dream
June 2015
THE STATE OF THE
AMERICAN DREAM
24

The American Dream
June 2015
The American Dream
June 2015
Q130. Do you believe you are living the American Dream?
Q132. Do you believe you will have the opportunity to achieve the American Dream in your lifetime?
Half of the general population and three quarters of Elites believe they are
living the American Dream
28
14
22
14
50
72
Do you believe you are living
the American Dream?
Not living the dream, and don't believe they can Not living the dream, but believe they can Living the dream
25
• 72% believe they are currently living or will be able to attain the dream in the future

The American Dream
June 2015
The American Dream
June 2015
Q130. Do you believe you are living the American Dream?
Q132. Do you believe you will have the opportunity to achieve the American Dream in your lifetime?
Older Americans and Asians are most likely to believe they have achieved
the Dream
24 26
37
26 32
19 17 18
36 26
12
7
17 39
28 27
41
48 51
66
51
43
55 55
30 or under 31-50 51-64 65+ White African
American
Latino/Hispanic Asian
Do you believe you are living
the American Dream?
Not living the dream, and don't believe they can Not living the dream, but believe they can Living the dream
26
• Those who are both older and have not yet achieved the Dream are less likely to think they will have the
opportunity to achieve the Dream
• White Americans are the least optimistic about their opportunity to achieve the Dream

The American Dream
June 2015
The American Dream
June 2015
Q131. Why do you believe [you are/ are not living the American Dream]?
Attaining security for themselves or their children is key issue for many in
determining whether they believe they have achieved the American Dream
I believe that I am living the American Dream
because…
“I have achieved more in education and financially
than my parents and grandparents.” – Gen Pop
“Because so far I've been able to do the things that I
feel define it for me and it appears as though my
children will have at least that same opportunity now
that their time is fast approaching.” – Broad Elite
I do not believe that I am living the American
Dream because…
“Because I struggle to pay all the bills that I have to
keep a roof over my families head, and also put food on
the table.” – Gen Pop
“Our government is limiting our ability to attain the
American Dream. They are taking away capitalism
and gaining too much control.” – Broad Elite
“No house with the picket
fence for me! No happily
ever after.” – Gen Pop
27

The American Dream
June 2015
The American Dream
June 2015
Americans who are living the Dream are much more secure about their
finances
28
2
1913
32
56
42
29
7
Living the Dream Not Living the Dream
Feelings About Personal Financial Security
Very Secure
Somewhat Insecure
Somewhat Secure
Very Insecure
85
49

The American Dream
June 2015
The American Dream
June 2015
Q128. Which of the following is closer to your view?
Most Americans believe that the American Dream is “suffering”
35
25
65
75
Broad Elites
Gen Pop
The American Dream is…
Alive and Well Suffering
29

The American Dream
June 2015
The American Dream
June 2015
Younger and Non-White Americans are more optimistic about the state of the
American Dream
47
36
43
19
53
64
57
81
Asian
Latino/Hispanic
African-American
White
21
17
29
31
79
83
71
69
65+
51-64
31-50
30 or younger
30 Q128. Which of the following is closer to your view?

The American Dream
June 2015
The American Dream
June 2015
Americans perceive the obstacles to attaining the American Dream to be more
severe today than in the past
34
31
66
69
Broad Elites
Gen Pop
Obstacles to Realizing the
American Dream
Obstacles to realizing the American Dream are no more severe today than they’ve ever been
Obstacles to realizing the American Dream are more severe today than ever
31

The American Dream
June 2015
The American Dream
June 2015
Older and White/ Hispanic Americans are more likely to believe the obstacles
to the Dream are more severe than ever
35
24
42
30
65
76
58
70
Asian
Latino/Hispanic
African-American
White
American Dream
Obstacles to realizing the American Dream are no more severe today than
they’ve ever been
31
27
33
32
69
73
67
68
65+
51-64
31-50
30 or younger
American Dream
Obstacles to realizing the American Dream are no more severe today than
they’ve ever been
32

The American Dream
June 2015
The American Dream
June 2015
Q136. Do you think it will be harder or easier for your children or future generations to achieve the American Dream?
(Top 2 Box: Much Harder + Somewhat Harder)
Most believe that attaining the American Dream will be harder for their kids or
future generations
73
70
Harder
Future Generations Attaining the American Dream
Bottom 2 Box “Much + Somewhat Harder” Shown
33

The American Dream
June 2015
The American Dream
June 2015
Americans are split on whether the American Dream is attainable by most or
only a few Americans
62
51
38
49
Broad Elites
Gen Pop
Attainable by most Americans Attainable by only a few
• Elites are more optimistic
34

The American Dream
June 2015
The American Dream
June 2015
Younger and Financially Insecure Americans are more likely to believe the
Dream is only attainable by a few
51
59
48
50
49
41
52
50
Asian
Latino/Hispanic
African-American
White
60
49
51
45
40
51
49
55
65+
51-64
31-50
30 or younger
35
32
60
68
40
Financially Insecure
Financially Secure

The American Dream
June 2015
The American Dream
June 2015
The American Dream remains relevant and important to what it means to be
an American
80
72
20
28
Broad Elites
Gen Pop
Relevance of the American Dream
Remains a relevant and important Dated and no longer important
36

The American Dream
June 2015
The American Dream
June 2015
Most believe the Dream is achievable if you work for it
71
65
29
35
Broad Elites
Gen Pop
Still achievable for those who are willing to work for it No longer a possibility for most Americans no matter how hard they work
37

The American Dream
June 2015
The American Dream
June 2015
Older and Non-White Americans are more likely to believe that the American
Dream is still achievable if you work for it
72
70
74
63
28
30
26
37
Asian
Latino/Hispanic
African-American
White
Still achievable for those who are willing to work for it
No longer a possibility for most Americans no matter how hard they work
69
61
65
66
31
39
35
34
65+
51-64
31-50
30 or younger
Still achievable for those who are willing to work for it
No longer a possibility for most Americans no matter how hard they work
38

The American Dream
June 2015
The American Dream
June 2015
Q135. Which of the following has the most impact on your ability to attain the American Dream?
Hard work is more important to achieving the Dream than where you are born
or Luck
28
61
11
24
67
9
Circumstances you are born into Hard work Luck
Factors Involved in
Attaining the American Dream
39

The American Dream
June 2015
The American Dream
June 2015
BARRIERS TO THE
AMERICAN DREAM
40

The American Dream
June 2015
The American Dream
June 2015
Q178.mA. Please rank each of the following from the greatest barrier/ obstacle to achieving the American Dream to the least.
Top 3 Barriers/Obstacles to The Dream
Gen Pop
Broad
Elites
Decline of work ethic 22 23
Decline of values/moral standards 20 21
Personal debt 20 17
Rules favor the wealthy 19 17
Lack of economic opportunity 18 14
Economic inequality 17 21
Big government 17 19
Decline of the middle class 17 15
Cost of healthcare 15 12
High government spending 14 16
Unequal access to education 13 15
Obamacare 12 8
Excessive government regulations 11 13
Top 3 Barriers/Obstacles to The Dream
(Cont.) Gen Pop
Broad
Elites
Racial discrimination 10 12
Political Gridlock 10 11
Lack of government policies to support
economic growth
10 10
Access to affordable housing 10 9
Too much immigration 10 7
Lack of socio-economic mobility 7 9
Lack of government support for programs for
the disadvantaged
7 6
Erosion of personal liberties 6 7
Lack of immigration reform 6 6
Gender discrimination 5 6
Lack of access to technology tools and
training
5 5
Decline in work ethic, rules favoring the wealthy and personal debt are
frequently mentioned barriers to the American Dream
41
Top Answers

The American Dream
June 2015
The American Dream
June 2015
Top 3 Barriers/Obstacle Themes to The
Dream
Ranked by Gen Pop
Gen Pop
Broad
Elites
Lack of opportunity 71 67
Rules favor the wealthy 19 17
Lack of economic opportunity 18 14
Decline of the middle class 17 15
Unequal access to education 13 15
Access to affordable housing 10 9
Lack of socio-economic mobility 7 9
Lack of government support for programs for the
disadvantaged
7 6
Lack of access to technology tools and training 5 5
Government 46 48
Big government 17 19
High government spending 14 16
Obamacare 12 8
Excessive government regulations 11 13
Lack of government policies to support economic
growth
10 10
Dream
(Cont.)
Gen Pop
Broad
Elites
Values 36 38
Decline of work ethic 22 23
Decline of values/moral standards 20 21
Erosion of personal liberties 6 7
Personal debt 20 17
Cost of healthcare 15 12
Discrimination 14 17
Gender discrimination 5 6
Political gridlock 10 11
Too much immigration 10 7
Lack of immigration reform 6 6
Lack of Opportunity is the most frequently mentioned theme about barriers to
the American Dream
42

The American Dream
June 2015
The American Dream
June 2015
Dream
Ranked by Democrat
Democrat Independent Republican
Lack of opportunity 82 74 54
Rules favor the wealthy 27 18 10
Economic inequality 24 18 10
Lack of economic opportunity 22 19 13
Decline of the middle class 18 16 16
Unequal access to education 16 14 9
Access to affordable housing 13 10 7
disadvantaged
10 6 3
Lack of socio-economic mobility 7 8 7
Lack of access to technology tools and training 5 6 3
Government 37 45 58
Lack of government policies to support economic growth 11 9 9
Big government 9 18 25
High government spending 9 16 18
Obamacare 9 10 18
Excessive government regulations 8 10 17
Top 3 Barriers/Obstacles Themes to The
Dream
(Cont.)
Values 26 38 44
Decline of work ethic 14 24 28
Decline of values/moral standards 14 20 26
Erosion of personal liberties 3 7 8
Personal debt 21 18 20
Discrimination 21 10 9
Racial discrimination 16 7 6
Gender discrimination 7 3 3
Cost of healthcare 14 17 12
Political gridlock 11 8 11
Too much immigration 7 10 13
Lack of immigration reform 5 6 7
Republicans view Government as the biggest barrier to the dream, while
Democrats and Independents view it as Lack of Opportunity
43

The American Dream
June 2015
The American Dream
June 2015
Top 3 Barriers/Obstacle Themes to
The Dream
Ranked by White
White
African-
American
Latino/
Hispanic
Asian
Lack of opportunity 67 84 77 82
Rules favor the wealthy 18 20 18 32
Lack of economic opportunity 17 18 22 23
Economic inequality 17 18 20 15
Decline of the middle class 18 15 16 11
Unequal access to education 11 16 17 17
Access to affordable housing 10 10 11 11
disadvantaged
6 10 6 9
Lack of socio-economic mobility 7 11 8 7
Lack of access to technology tools and training 4 7 6 10
Government 48 41 46 40
Big government 20 5 12 15
High government spending 16 9 12 8
Excessive government regulations 13 8 6 11
Obamacare 13 8 16 6
Lack of government policies to support economic
growth
8 17 13 12
Top 3 Barriers/Obstacles Themes to
The Dream
(Cont.)
White
African-
American
Latino/
Hispanic
Asian
Values 39 34 23 23
Decline of work ethic 24 17 17 6
Decline of values/moral standards 22 22 12 11
Erosion of personal liberties 6 4 4 9
Personal debt 19 21 20 22
Cost of healthcare 16 11 13 18
Political gridlock 10 7 7 10
Too much immigration 11 2 13 11
Discrimination 9 32 22 17
Racial discrimination 6 28 16 11
Gender discrimination 4 8 7 8
Lack of immigration reform 5 7 8 6
All ethnicities mention Inequality most frequently when thinking about barriers to
the American Dream
44

The American Dream
June 2015
The American Dream
June 2015
Q203. Does action need to be taken to reduce the barriers to the American Dream?
The majority of respondents think action needs to be taken immediately to
reduce the barriers to the Dream
68
19
13
74
15
11
Yes, immediately Yes, in the future No
Does Action Need to Be Taken to Reduce Barriers to the American
Dream
45

The American Dream
June 2015
The American Dream
June 2015
Q204. What can be done to reduce the barriers to the American Dream?
More government cooperation and increased educational opportunities are
suggested ways to reduce barriers to the Dream
What can be done to reduce barriers to the American Dream…
Asked only of those who believe action needs to be taken
“Improving the education system, raise taxes on the rich, and give more resources
to the lower class.” – Gen Pop
“Get rid of many government regulations, reduce taxes, enforce current law rather
than creating multiple new laws.” – Broad Elite
“Make college affordable, stop policies that encourage
companies to either ship jobs overseas or only use part-time
help, increase wages, and rein in healthcare costs.”
– Gen Pop
“Reduce government spending. Reduce big government. Lower
taxes.” – Broad Elite
46

The American Dream
June 2015
The American Dream
June 2015
Q205. Which of the following could have the most impact in reducing the barriers to the American Dream? Please select your top three.
Making college free or much more affordable and Reducing government
spending are among top three ways to reduce barriers to American Dream
Reducing Barriers to The American Dream
Broad
Elites
Make college free or much more affordable 24 23
Reduce government spending 23 19
Increase taxes on the wealthy 21 18
Increase economic growth by cutting taxes 20 23
Increase minimum wage nationwide 20 16
Fix our public schools 17 18
Reduce immigration 14 12
Emphasize work ethic and personal accountability 14 17
Repeal Obamacare (the Affordable Care Act) 14 14
Increase economic growth by reducing regulation 13 16
Provide free job training 12 7
Expand access to free healthcare 11 10
Improve access to quality education in poor
communities
10 17
End race-based discrimination 10 9
Expand access to affordable housing 10 6
(cont.) Gen Pop
Broad
Elites
Increase taxes on corporations 9 11
Reduce political partisanship 9 13
Immigration reform 8 10
Eliminate regulations that limit personal liberties 7 8
Increase funding of anti-poverty programs 7 6
Increase support for entrepreneurship 6 8
End gender-based discrimination 5 4
47
Top Answers

The American Dream
June 2015
The American Dream
June 2015
Americans believe that policies to Expand Access/Opportunities would have the
most impact in reducing barriers to American Dream
Broad
Elites
N-size 1690* 453*
Expanding access/opportunities 55 50
Make college free or much more affordable 24 23
Improve access to quality education in poor communities 10 17
Expand access to affordable housing 10 6
Reduce government 52 53
Reduce government spending 23 19
Increase economic growth by cutting taxes 20 23
Increase economic growth by reducing regulation 13 16
Eliminate regulations that limit personal liberties 7 8
Redistribution 41 35
Increase taxes on the wealthy 21 18
(cont.) Gen Pop
Broad
Elites
Work ethic, entrepreneurship 20 23
Increase support for entrepreneurship 6 8
Discrimination 19 16
End race-based discrimination 10 9
End gender-based discrimination 5 4
Fix our public schools 17 18
Reduce political partisanship 9 13
Immigration reform 8 10
Other 2 2
48
*Asked of only those that indicated action needs to be taken

The American Dream
June 2015
The American Dream
June 2015
Democrats and Independents focus on Expand Access/Opportunities to reduce
barriers to the Dream, while Republicans Focus on Reducing Government
Ranked by Democrat Democrat Independent Republican
N-Size 593* 496* 465*
Expanding access/opportunities 68 56 38
Make college free or much more affordable 31 23 18
Expand access to free healthcare 14 11 7
Improve access to quality education in poor communities 13 11 6
Provide free job training 12 14 8
Expand access to affordable housing 12 10 6
Increase funding of anti-poverty programs 10 6 3
Redistribution 57 37 27
Increase taxes on the wealthy 28 20 15
Increase minimum wage nationwide 29 19 10
Increase taxes on corporations 12 8 6
Reduce government 36 52 71
Reduce government spending 15 23 31
Increase economic growth by cutting taxes 13 21 27
Repeal Obamacare (the Affordable Care Act) 7 13 24
Increase economic growth by reducing regulation 5 13 24
Eliminate regulations that limit personal liberties 4 7 11
(cont.) Democrat Independent Republican
Discrimination 19 18 20
End race-based discrimination 16 8 4
End gender-based discrimination 9 4 2
Fix our public schools 18 18 17
Work ethic, entrepreneurship 14 21 29
Emphasize work ethic and personal accountability 9 15 23
Increase support for entrepreneurship 5 8 7
Reduce immigration 11 15 18
Reduce political partisanship 7 9 9
Immigration reform 7 10 10
49

The American Dream
June 2015
The American Dream
June 2015
All ethnicities believe that Reduce Government has the most impact in reducing
barriers to American Dream
Reducing Barriers to The American
Dream
Ranked by White
White
African-
American
Latino/
Hispanic
Asian
N-Size 1285* 155* 129* 89*
Reduce government 56 42 36 49
Reduce government spending 26 16 11 15
Increase economic growth by cutting taxes 21 17 12 21
Repeal Obamacare (the Affordable Care Act) 17 5 7 11
Increase economic growth by reducing regulation 15 6 8 17
Eliminate regulations that limit personal liberties 8 5 7 4
Expanding access/opportunities 50 68 67 64
Make college free or much more affordable 23 32 26 23
Provide free job training 10 11 18 18
Expand access to free healthcare 10 9 16 16
communities
10 13 8 21
Expand access to affordable housing 9 13 15 4
Increase funding of anti-poverty programs 6 6 11 7
Redistribution 39 53 43 39
Increase taxes on the wealthy 21 24 23 18
Increase minimum wage nationwide 19 32 21 17
Increase taxes on corporations 9 4 10 9
Reducing Barriers to The American
Dream (cont.) White
African-
American
Latino/
Hispanic
Asian
Work ethic, entrepreneurship 22 16 15 26
Emphasize work ethic and personal accountability 17 10 9 13
Increase support for entrepreneurship 7 7 5 12
Discrimination 19 17 23 19
End race-based discrimination 6 30 11 14
End gender-based discrimination 4 6 10 8
Fix our public schools 16 22 16 17
Reduce immigration 16 11 14 11
Reduce political partisanship 11 3 4 4
Immigration reform 8 6 11 8
50

The American Dream
June 2015
The American Dream
June 2015
Q206. Who has the primary responsibility for overcoming the barriers to the American Dream ?
Americans believe the Government, and individuals are most responsible for
overcoming barriers to the American Dream
44
40
7
3 2
4
43
40
6
2 3
6
Government The individual Businesses Civic and community
organizations
Unions/labor
organizations
Schools
Responsible Parties for Overcoming Barriers to the American Dream
51

The American Dream
June 2015
The American Dream
June 2015
Q174. How does your race impact your ability to achieve the American dream?
Roughly one-third of Americans believe race is an important factor for attaining
the American Dream, though most don’t believe it has affected them personally
30
22
53
60
17
18
Broad Elites
Gen Pop
The Impact of Race on
Achieving the American Dream
Probably helps me
Probably has no impact for me
Probably makes it more difficult for me
39
34
61
66
Broad
Elites
Gen Pop
The Importance of Race and Availability of
The American Dream
Race is an important factor Race is not an important factor
• However over half of both audiences believe it has made it more difficult for them
52

The American Dream
June 2015
The American Dream
June 2015
Q174. How does your race impact your ability to achieve the American dream?
African-Americans believe that race is an important factor in the availability of
the American Dream and has affected them personally
31
22
11
24
49
48
32
68
20
30
57
8
Asian
Latino/Hispanic
African-American
White
The Impact of Race on
Achieving the American Dream
Probably helps me
Probably has no impact for me
Probably makes it more difficult for me
45
47
60
25
55
53
40
75
Asian
Latino/His
panic
African-
American
White
The Importance of Race and Availability of
The American Dream
Race is an important factor Race is not an important factor
53

The American Dream
June 2015
The American Dream
June 2015
PERCEPTIONS OF
AMERICA TODAY
54

The American Dream
June 2015
The American Dream
June 2015
Q31. Which of the following is closer to your view? (Right track/Wrong track)
Q32. Which of the following is closer to your view? (Best days still ahead, Best days behind us)
Americans are worried about the direction of the nation today, but hopeful
for tomorrow
43
36
57
64
Broad Elites
Gen Pop
America’s Current Course
Currently on the right track Currently on the wrong track
64
55
36
45
Broad Elites
Gen Pop
America’s Best Days
America’s best days are still ahead of it
America’s best days are already behind it
55

The American Dream
June 2015
The American Dream
June 2015
57% of Americans who believe they are living the Dream believe America
is on the wrong track
28
43
72
57
Not Living
the Dream
Living the
Dream
47
62
53
38
Not Living the Dream
Living the Dream
56
• 38% believe America’s best days are behind it

The American Dream
June 2015
The American Dream
June 2015
62% Americans who are satisfied with their lives believe America is on the
wrong track
20
38
80
62
Dissatisfied
With Life
Satisfied
With Life
34
58
66
42
Dissatisfied With Life
Satisfied With Life
• 42% believe America’s best days are behind it
57

The American Dream
June 2015
The American Dream
June 2015
Older Americans are more likely to Believe America is on the Wrong Track
27
30
40
39
73
70
60
61
65+
51-64
31-50
30 or younger
52
49
57
58
47
51
43
42
65+
51-64
31-50
30 or younger
58

The American Dream
June 2015
The American Dream
June 2015
White Americans are far more pessimistic than other major ethnic groups
60
48
63
27
40
52
37
73
Asian
Latino/Hispanic
African-American
White
73
63
80
48
25
37
20
52
Asian
Latino/Hispanic
African-American
White
59

The American Dream
June 2015
The American Dream
June 2015
Q207. Do you consider yourself wealthy, middle class or poor?
Most Americans identify themselves as middle class
60
28
3
26 29 30
20
27 31
24 21
69
86
70 67 67
77
71 64
68 76
3
11
4 4 2 3 2 5 8 3
Gen Pop Broad Elites 30 or under 31-50 51-64 65+ White African
American
Latino/
Hispanic
Asian
Do you consider yourself wealthy, middle class or poor?
Poor Middle class Wealthy

The American Dream
June 2015
The American Dream
June 2015
Q33. Which of the following statements is closest to your own view about the role and importance of the middle class in America?
Most Americans believe the middle class remains central to health of
American society
64
55
36
45
Broad Elites
Gen Pop
Role of the Middle Class
The middle class remains central to the stability and health of American society
The middle class has lost its historic role and importance in American society
61

The American Dream
June 2015
The American Dream
June 2015
Younger and Non-White Americans believe more strongly that the middle class
remains central to American society
59
68
60
51
39
32
40
49
Asian
Latino/Hispanic
African-American
White
52
51
55
60
48
49
45
40
65+
51-64
31-50
30 or younger
62
Q33. Which of the following statements is closest to your own view about the role and importance of the middle class in America?

The American Dream
June 2015
The American Dream
June 2015
Q34. Which of the following are the most significant problems in America today? Please select your top 3.
Problems in America
Ranked by Gen Pop Gen Pop Broad Elites
Healthcare costs 29 28
National debt 23 23
Too much government spending 22 25
Unemployment 20 18
Illegal immigration 20 17
Taxes are too high 18 20
Terrorism 18 20
Too much government regulation 16 15
Political gridlock 14 20
Failing schools and education 14 16
Lack of good jobs 14 11
Social and cultural problems 11 11
Personal debt 10 9
Climate change 8 13
Healthcare costs top the list of problems in America today
• Too much government
spending and the National
debt follow closely behind
for all respondents
• Broad Elites also rank
Taxes are too high,
Economic in quality, and
Political gridlock as
significant problems
• Gen Pop sees
Unemployment and Illegal
immigration as significant
Top Answers
63

The American Dream
June 2015
The American Dream
June 2015
Problems in America
30 or younger 31-50 51-64 65+
Unemployment 27 21 17 14
National debt 26 20 24 28
Healthcare costs 24 26 36 29
Taxes are too high 18 19 19 11
Too much government spending 18 18 24 31
Failing schools and education 16 15 13 13
Lack of good jobs 15 18 12 8
Too much government regulation 15 13 18 23
Illegal immigration 12 19 23 28
Social and cultural problems 11 13 9 8
Access to quality education 11 4 3 4
Lack of opportunity to improve your life 10 7 4 2
Terrorism 9 16 24 24
Housing costs 8 12 7 3
Climate change 6 7 9 9
Younger Americans focus on issues of Unemployment, while Older Americans
are more concerned about Illegal Immigration
Top Answers
64

The American Dream
June 2015
The American Dream
June 2015
Problems in America
Ranked by White White
African-
American
Latino/Hispanic Asian
Healthcare costs 30 18 30 23
National debt 25 21 17 27
Too much government spending 25 11 16 14
Illegal immigration 23 10 13 16
Too much government regulation 21 3 8 13
Terrorism 19 18 14 16
Unemployment 18 31 24 25
Taxes are too high 17 21 16 23
Lack of good jobs 14 18 12 15
Failing schools and education 14 14 17 12
Social and cultural problems 10 15 9 16
Climate change 8 5 10 9
Housing costs 6 10 19 10
Access to quality education 4 5 9 12
African and Hispanic Americans are concerned about Social and Economic
Inequality issues, while White Americans focus on the Government
Top Answers
65

The American Dream
June 2015
The American Dream
June 2015
Q124. Which of the following could have the most impact in reducing the economic inequality? Please select only 3.
Reducing Economic Inequality
Broad
Elites
Increase taxes on wealthy 34 31
Reduce national debt 26 27
Cut taxes 23 26
Improve access to quality education in poor communities 20 26
Reduce government regulation 16 18
Support growth of labor unions 6 7
Reduce foreign trade 6 5
Increase foreign trade 3 4
None of these 5 1
Focus on Inequality: little consensus on how to solve the problem
• Broad Elites also think reducing the national
debt, cutting taxes, improving access to
quality education in poor communities and
emphasizing work ethic and personal
accountability will impact economic
inequality.
• For Gen Pop increasing the minimum wage
nationwide and reducing the national debt
are also important to reduce economic
inequality.
66
Top Answers

The American Dream
June 2015
The American Dream
June 2015
30 or
younger
31-50 51-64 65+
Increase taxes on wealthy 35 33 32 37
Reduce national debt 24 21 27 37
Cut taxes 19 24 27 21
communities
17 20 19 24
Reduce government regulation 13 13 18 24
Support growth of labor unions 8 7 3 6
Reduce foreign trade 7 7 4 6
Increase foreign trade 4 3 3 4
None of these 7 6 4 1
Across age groups, Americans believe Increasing taxes on wealthy will reduce
economic inequality
67
Top Answers

The American Dream
June 2015
The American Dream
June 2015
Ranked by White White
African-
American
Latino/
Hispanic
Asian
Increase taxes on wealthy 33 34 39 38
Reduce national debt 28 21 17 25
Cut taxes 24 21 19 23
communities
18 26 18 31
Reduce government regulation 18 8 13 12
Reduce foreign trade 6 5 5 10
Support growth of labor unions 5 10 5 9
Increase foreign trade 3 3 5 4
None of these 4 6 10 6
White Americans are most likely to believe Reducing National Debt will help solve
economic inequality
68
Top Answers

The American Dream
June 2015
The American Dream
June 2015
Increase taxes on wealthy 46 35 19
Increase minimum wage nationwide 36 26 12
communities
24 20 15
Reduce national debt 20 26 35
Expand access to free healthcare 20 18 9
Increase taxes on corporations 19 17 7
Cut taxes 18 22 32
Provide free job training 16 14 7
Emphasize work ethic and personal accountability 13 21 23
Reduce immigration 12 19 26
Repeal Obamacare (the Affordable Care Act) 11 17 38
Increase funding of anti-poverty programs 11 8 4
Support growth of labor unions 7 7 4
Reduce government regulation 6 16 29
Reduce foreign trade 6 6 6
Increase foreign trade 3 2 4
None of these 4 5 5
Democrats and Independents prefer increasing taxes on the wealthy to reduce
inequality, while Conservatives want to repeal Obamacare
69
Top Answers

The American Dream
June 2015
The American Dream
June 2015
Q123 Which of the following is closer to your view?
Focus on Inequality: Concentration of wealth not a problem so long as they are
able to provide for themselves and their family
58
64
42
36
Broad Elites
Gen Pop
Perceived Concentration of Wealth
As long as I am able provide the life I want for myself and my family, it doesn’t matter if others are
substantially wealthier than me
The concentration of wealth and privilege within the top 1% of American society is a problem
• Over half of Broad Elites and two-thirds of Gen Pop view this as long as they can provide the life they want
for themselves and their families
70

The American Dream
June 2015
The American Dream
June 2015
Younger and Hispanic Americans are more likely to believe that the
concentration of wealth in the 1% is a problem
57
54
66
67
43
46
34
33
Asian
Latino/Hispanic
African-American
White
As long as I am able provide the life I want for myself and my family, it doesn’t
matter if others are substantially wealthier than me
The concentration of wealth and privilege within the top 1% of American
society is a problem
70
68
60
63
30
32
40
37
65+
51-64
31-50
30 or younger
As long as I am able provide the life I want for myself and my family, it doesn’t
matter if others are substantially wealthier than me
The concentration of wealth and privilege within the top 1% of American
society is a problem
71
Q123 Which of the following is closer to your view?

The American Dream
June 2015
The American Dream
June 2015
Q125. If everyone had roughly the same opportunity to achieve their goals based on their own effort and merit, would
it still be okay that some people in America do not achieve their goals?
Focus on Inequality: As long as all have opportunity, Americans believe it is okay
that some people fail to achieve their goals
84
76
16
24
Broad Elites
Gen Pop
If opportunity was all equal, would it be okay that some do not achieve their
goals?
Yes No
• As long as everyone has roughly the same opportunity based on their effort and merit.
72

The American Dream
June 2015
The American Dream
June 2015
Older and White Americans are most likely to believe that it is okay for some in
America to not achieve their goals, as long as opportunity is equal
64
72
66
80
36
28
34
20
Asian
Latino/Hispanic
African-American
White
If opportunity was all equal, would it be
okay that some do not achieve their goals?
Yes No
85
80
74
71
15
20
26
29
65+
51-64
31-50
30 or younger
If opportunity was all equal, would it be
okay that some do not achieve their goals?
Yes No
73
Q125. If everyone had roughly the same opportunity to achieve their goals based on their own effort and merit, would
it still be okay that some people in America do not achieve their goals?

The American Dream
June 2015
The American Dream
June 2015
Focus on Inequality: Americans are unsure if technology is helping or hurting
62
51
38
49
Broad Elites
Gen Pop
Technology/Opportunities
Technology creates opportunities for all Americans Technology creates opportunities for only some Americans
74

The American Dream
June 2015
The American Dream
June 2015
Hispanic and Asian Americans are more likely to believe technology helps
create opportunities for all Americans
58
61
51
49
42
39
49
51
Asian
Latino/Hispanic
African-American
White
Technology creates opportunities for all Americans
Technology creates opportunities for only some Americans
52
49
49
55
48
51
51
45
65+
51-64
31-50
30 or younger
Technology creates opportunities for all Americans
Technology creates opportunities for only some Americans
75
• There is little difference in perceptions of technology’s aid in opportunities among age groups

The American Dream
June 2015
The American Dream
June 2015
PERSONAL
PREFERENCES &
PRIORITIES
76

The American Dream
June 2015
The American Dream
June 2015
Q23. Which of the following is closer to your ideal in terms of where to live?
Most Americans consider suburban neighborhoods closest to their “ideal” in
terms of where to live neighborhood
64
53
19
19
15
26
1
2
Broad Elites
Gen Pop
Ideal Place to Live
In a family-oriented, suburban neighborhood In a vibrant urban neighborhood In a more rural area Something else
77

The American Dream
June 2015
The American Dream
June 2015
Q23. Which of the following is closer to your ideal in terms of where to live?
Millennials also prefer the suburbs and are only slightly more interested in urban
living than other age cohorts
63
53
53
53
29
29
32
14
8
16
14
31
3
2
Asian
Latino/Hispanic
African-Americans
White
Ideal Placed to Live
In a family-oriented, suburban neighborhood
In a vibrant urban neighborhood
In a more rural area
Something else
50
53
54
52
15
15
19
24
31
29
25
23
4
3
1
1
65+
51-64
31-50
30 or under
Ideal Placed to Live
In a family-oriented, suburban neighborhood
In a vibrant urban neighborhood
In a more rural area
Something else
78

The American Dream
June 2015
The American Dream
June 2015
Most respondents have a PC, car, flat-screen TV and smart phone
Q17. Which of the following items do you or your immediate family have or own? Please select all that apply.
89
85
82
76
71
61
55 55
45
33 33
8
1
90
94
91
88
94
83 83 83
73
70 72
22
0
Personal
Computer
Car Flat-screen TV Healthcare
coverage
Smartphone A living wage House or
Condominium
Tablet Home office/
Den/ Family
room
6 months of
emergency
savings
A financial plan
for retirement
Vacation or
second home
None of the
above
Item Ownership
• Broad Elites are more than twice as likely to have 6 months emergency savings and a retirement plan vs.
Gen Pop
79

The American Dream
June 2015
The American Dream
June 2015
Americans who do not believe they are living the American Dream have much
less in terms of savings or retirement planning than those living the Dream
Q17. Which of the following items do you or your immediate family have or own? Please select all that apply.
88 88
84
80
71 71
67
59 58
47 45
11
1
89
81 81
73
70
50
44
51
31
19 20
4
1
Personal
Computer
Car Flat-screen TV Healthcare
coverage
Smartphone A living wage House or
Condominium
Tablet Home office/
Den/ Family
room
6 months of
emergency
savings
A financial plan
for retirement
Vacation or
second home
None of the
above
Item Ownership
Living the American Dream Not Living the American Dream
80

The American Dream
June 2015
The American Dream
June 2015
Professional Goals
Broad
Elites
Having a good work/life balance 45 47
Pays a lot of money 37 39
Working near where you live or having an easy commute 30 21
Having flexibility in when and where you work 28 29
Working in a fun workplace environment 25 20
Reflects your personal passions 21 20
Making an impact 17 25
Working in a humane, nurturing workplace environment 13 11
Having opportunities for training and development 11 12
Being able to navigate your own career path 8 10
Being able to take on new professional challenges 8 16
Uses the most up-to-date technology 6 9
Being able to support social causes that are important to you 5 6
Encourages an entrepreneurial spirit 4 8
Traveling for work 4 10
Offers opportunities to work abroad 4 7
None of the above 9 2
Q30. Thinking a little more about your professional goals... Please pick the three things that would be the most important elements of
your ideal job situation. Please select your top 3.
Americans want healthy balance, good money, flexibility and fun in their jobs
• Having flexibility in
when and where you
work and Making an
impact are also
important elements for
Broad Elites
• Proximity and flexibility
to a job such as
Working near where
you live or having an
easy commute and
Having flexibility in
when and where you
work are also
important for Gen Pop
81
Top Answers

The American Dream
June 2015
The American Dream
June 2015
Professional Goals
Ranked by Gen Pop
30 or
Under
31-50 51-64 65+
Having a good work/life balance 45 49 45 37
Pays a lot of money 46 40 31 23
Working near where you live or having an easy commute 18 30 36 39
Having flexibility in when and where you work 27 31 30 21
Working in a fun workplace environment 30 22 28 21
Reflects your personal passions 28 20 19 15
Making an impact 20 16 16 17
Working in a humane, nurturing workplace environment 9 13 16 15
Having opportunities for training and development 11 13 9 11
Being able to navigate your own career path 9 8 7 8
Being able to take on new professional challenges 8 9 6 9
Uses the most up-to-date technology 7 7 5 4
Being able to support social causes that are important to you 6 5 5 6
Encourages an entrepreneurial spirit 6 4 4 2
Traveling for work 6 4 3 5
Offers opportunities to work abroad 3 5 3 3
None of the above 4 6 11 19
Q30. Thinking a little more about your professional goals... Please pick the three things that would be the most important elements of
your ideal job situation. Please select your top 3.
Younger Americans want jobs that pay a lot of money and has work/life balance,
whereas older Americans want to have an easy commute
82
Top Answers

The American Dream
June 2015
The American Dream
June 2015
DEMOGRAPHICS
83

The American Dream
June 2015
The American Dream
June 2015
Demographics - Employment
Q6. Which of the following best describes your employment status? Please select all that apply.
Employment
Employed by someone else, working 30 hours or
more per week
38 74
Employed part-time by someone else, working less
than 30 hours per week
9 4
Self-employed 7 9
Homemaker 12 5
Student 7 1
Retired 18 7
Disabled, unable to work 6 1
Unemployed, looking for work 6 1
Unemployed, not looking for work 2 0
84

The American Dream
June 2015
The American Dream
June 2015
Gender
Gen Pop
Broad
Elites
Male 49 60
Female 51 40
Region
Gen Pop
Broad
Elites
Northeast 18 24
Midwest 23 20
South 39 34
West 20 22
Age
Gen Pop
Broad
Elites
18 to 24 11 0
25 to 34 19 21
35 to 44 20 28
45 to 54 19 26
55 to 64 16 25
65+ 15 0
Urban/Suburban/Rural
Gen Pop
Broad
Elites
Urban 27 21
Suburban 51 69
Rural 22 11
Don’t Know 1 0
Q2. Please select your gender.
Q3. What is your age?
Qregion.
Q209. Do you consider the area in which you live to be…?
Demographics – Gender, Age, Region, and Rural Area
85

The American Dream
June 2015
The American Dream
June 2015
Income
Gen Pop
Broad
Elites
Less than $35,000 36 0
$35,000 - $49,999 15 0
$50,000 - $74,999 19 0
$75,000 - $99,999 12 20
$100,000 – $124,999 8 29
$125,000 – $149,999 5 22
$150,000 or more 5 29
Education
Gen Pop
Broad
Elites
Grade school or less 0 0
Some high school 2 0
High school graduate/GED 22 0
Some college or trade
school
32 0
College graduate 32 60
Post-graduate work 12 40
QIncome. Which of the following income categories best describes your total 2014 household income before taxes?
QEDU. What is the highest level of school you have completed or the highest degree you have received?
Demographics – Income and Education
86

The American Dream
June 2015
The American Dream
June 2015
Parental Status
Gen Pop
Broad
Elites
Yes 58 73
No 42 27
Children Living at Home
(Ages) Gen Pop
Broad
Elites
0-3 15 15
4-7 18 23
8-10 19 24
11-13 17 23
14-16 15 28
17-18 9 15
19 or older 19 18
I have no children living at
home with me
30 13
Q216. What is your marital status?
QParent1. Do you have children?
QParent 2. In which of the following age ranges do you have children living in your home? If you have children in more than one age range,
please select all that apply.
Demographics – Marital Status and Parental Status
Marital Status
Gen Pop
Broad
Elites
Never married (Single) 29 13
Married 49 75
Separated 1 1
Divorced 10 4
Widowed 4 2
Domestic
partnership/Cohabitating
76 5
Prefer not to answer 0 0
87

The American Dream
June 2015
The American Dream
June 2015
Ethnicity
Gen Pop
Broad
Elites
White or Caucasian 68 71
Black, Caribbean, or
African
12 8
Latin/Latin American/
Latino/ Hispanic
13 12
Asian (including South
Asian, Indian, Pakistani and
East Asian, Chinese,
Korean, Japanese, Pacific
Islander etc.)
4 7
Arab, Middle Eastern 1 1
Other 1 1
Parent/Grandparents
Citizenship Gen Pop
Broad
Elites
One or both of my parents
immigrated to the United
States
16 23
One or both of my
grandparents immigrated to
the United States
20 22
All of my parents and
grandparents were born in
the United States
63 54
Q217. Which of the following best describes your ethnic or racial background or heritage?
Q218. Do you consider yourself to be of Hispanic or Latino descent?
Q219. Were you born in the United States or somewhere else?
Q220. Did either one of your parents or grandparents immigrate to the United States?
Citizenship
Gen Pop
Broad
Elites
Born in the United States 93 90
Born in a country other than
the United States
7 10
Demographics – Ethnicity, Individual and Familial Immigration Status
88

The American Dream
June 2015
The American Dream
June 2015
Political Leaning
Gen Pop
Broad
Elites
Liberal 23 25
Moderate 47 50
Conservative 29 25
Q210. Do you consider yourself a…
Q211. Regardless of political party, do you consider yourself…?
Q212. Did you vote in the last presidential election?
Voter
Gen Pop
Broad
Elites
Yes 75 94
No 21 5
I was not eligible to vote 4 2
Demographics – Political Affiliation/Leaning and Voting Behaviors
Political Affiliation
Gen Pop
Broad
Elites
Democrat 31 30
Republican 25 31
Independent 35 34
Other 1 2
Don’t know 8 3
89

The Atlantic/Aspen Institute Survey 2015: The American Dream

Recommended

Recommended

More Related Content

Similar to The Atlantic/Aspen Institute Survey 2015: The American Dream

Similar to The Atlantic/Aspen Institute Survey 2015: The American Dream (20)

More from Burson-Marsteller

More from Burson-Marsteller (20)

Recently uploaded

Recently uploaded (15)

The Atlantic/Aspen Institute Survey 2015: The American Dream