The “American Dream” upholds the ideal that with hard work, perseverance and a little luck, any American dreamer can pull themselves from the depths of poverty to achieve their socio-economic aspirations. Now, it seems, that dream may be fading.
A recent study reveals that the success of upward mobility between social classes is less attainable today than it was in the 1980s. People who are born today are more likely to remain in the same socio-economic position or drop below it. The capacity for upward mobility has now decreased by as much as 20 percent.
This affects no small portion of the country. Last year, there were 43.1 million Americans living in poverty. The national poverty rate is 13.5 percent, which includes 19.7 percent of children under the age of 18.
Harvard Professor Robert Putnam has spent decades studying the social mobility of his hometown of Port Clinton, OH – a place he calls a Bellwether town in a Bellwether state. His most recent book, “Our Kids: The American Dream in Crisis” examines the forces behind this dying ideal. The notion of a “land of opportunity” which has left millions of Americans alone and without hope.
Tune in for a conversation about the disaffected working class and how ignoring the plight of poverty has played into politics. For the full in-depth discussion, click here.
How the Pandemic Could Erase Decades of Progress for Women in the Workforce
November 14, 2021How the Pandemic Could Erase Decades of Progress for Women in the Workforce
November 14, 2021
The Cranberry Farmer Taking Charge in a Male Dominated Industry
November 7, 2021The Cranberry Farmer Taking Charge in a Male Dominated Industry
November 7, 2021
Business Owners Struggling as Their Supplies are Stuck in Transit
October 24, 2021Business Owners Struggling as Their Supplies are Stuck in Transit
October 24, 2021
How A New York City Restaurant is Coming Back After Letting Go of its Staff
October 17, 2021How A New York City Restaurant is Coming Back After Letting Go of its Staff
October 17, 2021
The Great Resignation: Why Millions of Workers Are Putting in Their Two-Week Notice
October 10, 2021The Great Resignation: Why Millions of Workers Are Putting in Their Two-Week Notice
October 10, 2021
What Happens When Pandemic Aid Ends But the Pandemic Isn’t Over
September 19, 2021What Happens When Pandemic Aid Ends But the Pandemic Isn’t Over
September 19, 2021
Could Universal Basic Income Help Millions of Jobless Americans
June 27, 2021Could Universal Basic Income Help Millions of Jobless Americans
June 27, 2021
Delivering on Financial Aid for USPS
June 13, 2021Delivering on Financial Aid for USPS
June 13, 2021
With Oregon's Provisional Legalization, Many Turn to Magic Mushrooms for Mental Health Help
September 24, 2023With Oregon's Provisional Legalization, Many Turn to Magic Mushrooms for Mental Health Help
September 24, 2023
Correspondent Conversation: Jessica Gomez On Why Psychedelic-Assisted Treatments are Gaining Support
September 17, 2023Correspondent Conversation: Jessica Gomez On Why Psychedelic-Assisted Treatments are Gaining Support
September 17, 2023
With Oregon's Provisional Legalization, Many Turn to Magic Mushrooms for Mental Health Help
September 24, 2023With Oregon's Provisional Legalization, Many Turn to Magic Mushrooms for Mental Health Help
September 24, 2023
