The Atlantic/Aspen Institute Survey 2015: The American Dream

The Atlantic/Aspen Institute

The American DreamJune 2015



1

The American DreamSummary Report

http://www.aspenideas.org/aif



2



PSB conducted an quantitative online survey in the US among 1,988 Gen Pop and 513 Broad Elites.

Methodology

Audiences PolledMethodology

SAMPLINGUS

Gen Pop Broad ElitesSample 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 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






AMERICANS’ PERSONAL SITUATION

4






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?

Gen Pop Broad Elites

4 111

5

50

41

36

52

Optimism about Future


311

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

8595 86 93






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?

Broad Elites

Gen Pop

94

81

6

19

Do you believe you’ve had, or will have, the opportunity to achieve your per-

sonal goals?

Yes No

Broad Elites

Gen Pop

88

73

12

27

Do you believe you’ve had, or will have, the opportunity to achieve your profes-

sional goals?

Yes No

• Broad Elites are more positive in this belief than Gen Pop

6






51-64 year-olds are the least optimistic about their ability to achieve their goals

65+

51-64

31-50

30 or younger

82

75

82

85

18

25

18

15

Do you believe you’ve had, or will have, the opportunity to achieve your personal

goals?

Yes No

7


65+

51-64

31-50

30 or younger

73

66

75

77

27

34

25

23

Do you believe you’ve had, or will have, the opportunity to achieve your professional

goals?

Yes No






African-Americans and Hispanics are the most optimistic about their ability to achieve their goals

Asian

Latino/Hispanic

African-American

White

73

83

82

70

27

17

18

30

Do you believe you’ve had, or will have, the opportunity to achieve your professional

goals?

Yes No

8


Asian

Latino/Hispanic

African-American

White

79

86

89

79

21

14

11

21

Do you believe you’ve had, or will have, the opportunity to achieve your personal

goals?

Yes No






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






30 or younger 31-50 51-64 65+

10 11 12 7

28 20 2219

4550 50

50

16 19 1624


Older Americans feel more financially secure than younger Americans

Q16. How secure do you feel about your personal financial situation?10

Very Secure

Somewhat Insecure

Somewhat Secure

Very Insecure

61 69 66 74






Asian and Hispanic Americans feel more financially secure than white or African-Americans

Q16. How secure do you feel about your personal financial situation?

White African-American Latino/Hispanic Asian

11 95 7

23 2321 20

5047

4756

1720 26

17


11

Very Secure

Somewhat Insecure

Somewhat Secure

Very Insecure

67 7367 73






Gen PopN=1028

Broad ElitesN=437

3 18 8

189

4549

2731

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

8072






DEFINING THE AMERICAN DREAM

13






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 DreamRanked 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 Answers14







Most Important Themes of the American DreamRanked by Gen Pop Gen Pop 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




Most Important Themes of the American Dream(cont.) Gen Pop Broad

Elites


Living near your peers 1 2





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







Most Important Themes of the American DreamRanked 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

A healthy balance between my professional and personal lives 18 18 20 11

Lifelong friends 17 9 15 15

Living near your peers 2 1 1 0

Most Important Themes of the American 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


Having a job that has a meaningful impact on my 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







Most Important Themes of the American DreamRanked by White

WhiteAfrican-

AmericanLatino/

HispanicAsian

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

Most Important Themes of the American Dream(cont.)

WhiteAfrican-

AmericanLatino/

HispanicAsian

A healthy balance between my professional and personal 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



Having a job that has a meaningful impact on my 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







Most Important Themes of the American DreamRanked 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




Most Important Themes of the American Dream(cont.) Parents Non-

Parent


Living near your peers 1 1


Helping Others 23 25



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






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






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

6053

77

89

74

49

85

72

8782

6862

8794

78

52

92

82

92

How Attainable are the Most Important Characteristics of the American Dream?Top 10 Most Important Elements of American Dream Shown

Top 2 Box ShownRanked by Most Important

GenPop Broad Elite






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

Inspiring Motivating Patriotic Essential Realistic Old-Fashioned Misleading Cliché Impossible Unique Fraudulent Irrelevant Other

44 43

36

27 27 27

21 21

17 17

7 7

3

57 57

42

37

27

23

17 18

11

20

5 52

Characteristics Associated with the American Dream


21






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

Motivating Inspiring Old-Fashioned Misleading Patriotic Cliché Realistic Impossible Essential Unique Irrelevant Fraudulent Other

38 3835

32 33

28

21

17 1719

1311

2

3841

27

20

35

19

27

20

24

18

58

1

4749

23

19

36

18

29

15

33

14

5 5 4

58

52

21

14

43

16

35

11

40

17

3 4 5

Characteristics Associated with the American Dream

30 or under 31-50 51-64 65+

22






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

Gen Pop Elites 30 or under

31-50 51-64 65+

51 51

62

51

4247

Is Marriage Part of the American Dream?

% Yes Shown

Gen Pop Elites 30 or under

31-50 51-64 65+

55 5762

55

4853

Is Having Children Part of the American Dream?

% Yes Shown

• Millennials especially view marriage and children as part of the American Dream

23






THE STATE OF THE AMERICAN DREAM

24






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


2814

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






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

30 or under 31-50 51-64 65+ White African American Latino/Hispanic Asian

24 2637

26 3219 17 18

36 26 12

7

17 3928 27

4148 51

6651

4355 55

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






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






Americans who are living the Dream are much more secure about their finances

Q16. How secure do you feel about your personal financial situation?28

Living the Dream Not Living the Dream

21913

3256

42

29

7

Feelings About Personal Financial SecurityVery Secure

Somewhat Insecure

Somewhat Secure

Very Insecure

85

49






Q128. Which of the following is closer to your view?

Most Americans believe that the American Dream is “suffering”

Broad Elites

Gen Pop

35

25

65

75

The American Dream is…

Alive and Well Suffering

29






Younger and Non-White Americans are more optimistic about the state of the American Dream

Asian

Latino/Hispanic

African-American

White

47

36

43

19

53

64

57

81



65+

51-64

31-50

30 or younger

21

17

29

31

79

83

71

69



30 Q128. Which of the following is closer to your view?







Americans perceive the obstacles to attaining the American Dream to be more severe today than in the past

Broad Elites

Gen Pop

34

31

66

69

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






Older and White/ Hispanic Americans are more likely to believe the obstacles to the Dream are more severe than ever

Asian

Latino/Hispanic

African-American

White

35

24

42

30

65

76

58

70




65+

51-64

31-50

30 or younger

31

27

33

32

69

73

67

68




32Q202. Which of the following is closer to your view?






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

Harder

7370

Future Generations Attaining the American DreamBottom 2 Box “Much + Somewhat Harder” Shown


33







Americans are split on whether the American Dream is attainable by most or only a few Americans

Broad Elites

Gen Pop

62

51

38

49


Attainable by most Americans Attainable by only a few

• Elites are more optimistic

34






Younger and Financially Insecure Americans are more likely to believe the Dream is only attainable by a few

Asian

Latino/Hispanic

African-American

White

51

59

48

50

49

41

52

50



65+

51-64

31-50

30 or younger

60

49

51

45

40

51

49

55




Financially Insecure

Financially Secure

32

60

68

40









The American Dream remains relevant and important to what it means to be an American

Broad Elites

Gen Pop

80

72

20

28

Relevance of the American Dream

Remains a relevant and important Dated and no longer important

36







Most believe the Dream is achievable if you work for it

Broad Elites

Gen Pop

71

65

29

35


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






Older and Non-White Americans are more likely to believe that the American Dream is still achievable if you work for it

Asian

Latino/Hispanic

African-American

White

72

70

74

63

28

30

26

37

The American Dream is…Still achievable for those who are willing to work for it

No longer a possibility for most Americans no matter how hard they work

65+

51-64

31-50

30 or younger

69

61

65

66

31

39

35

34

The American Dream is…Still achievable for those who are willing to work for it

No longer a possibility for most Americans no matter how hard they work







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

Circumstances you are born into Hard work Luck

28

61

11

24

67

9

Factors Involved inAttaining the American Dream


39






BARRIERS TO THE AMERICAN DREAM

40






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 DreamGen 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







Top 3 Barriers/Obstacle Themes to The DreamRanked by Gen Pop

Gen PopBroad 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

Top 3 Barriers/Obstacle Themes to The Dream(Cont.)

Gen PopBroad 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







Top 3 Barriers/Obstacle Themes to The DreamRanked 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

Lack of government support for programs for the 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.)

Democrat Independent Republican

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







Top 3 Barriers/Obstacle Themes to The DreamRanked by White

WhiteAfrican-

AmericanLatino/

HispanicAsian

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

Lack of government support for programs for the 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.)

WhiteAfrican-

AmericanLatino/

HispanicAsian

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






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

Yes, immediately Yes, in the future No

68

19

13

74

1511

Does Action Need to Be Taken to Reduce Barriers to the American Dream


45






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






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 DreamRanked by Gen Pop Gen Pop

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

Reducing Barriers to The American Dream (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

47Top Answers







Americans believe that policies to Expand Access/Opportunities would have the most impact in reducing barriers to American Dream

Reducing Barriers to The American DreamRanked by Gen Pop Gen Pop

Broad Elites

N-size 1690* 453*

Expanding access/opportunities 55 50

Make college free or much more affordable 24 23




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



Reducing Barriers to The American Dream (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







Democrats and Independents focus on Expand Access/Opportunities to reduce barriers to the Dream, while Republicans Focus on Reducing Government

Reducing Barriers to The American DreamRanked 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

Reducing Barriers to The American Dream (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








All ethnicities believe that Reduce Government has the most impact in reducing barriers to American Dream

Reducing Barriers to The American DreamRanked by White

WhiteAfrican-

AmericanLatino/

HispanicAsian

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

Improve access to quality education in poor 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







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

Gov

ernm

ent

The in

dividu

al

Busine

sses

Civic

and

com

mun

ity o

rgan

izatio

ns

Unions

/labo

r org

aniza

tions

Schoo

ls

4440

73 2 4

4340

62 3

6

Responsible Parties for Overcoming Barriers to the American Dream


51






Q173. Which of the following is closer to your view?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

Broad Elites

Gen Pop

30

22

53

60

17

18

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

Broad Elites

Gen Pop

39

34

61

66

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






Q173. Which of the following is closer to your view?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

Asian

Latino/Hispanic

African-American

White

31

22

11

24

49

48

32

68

20

30

57

8

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

Asian

Latino/Hispanic

African-American

White

45

47

60

25

55

53

40

75

The Importance of Race and Availability of The American Dream

Race is an important factor Race is not an important factor

53






PERCEPTIONS OF AMERICA TODAY

54






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

Broad Elites

Gen Pop

43

36

57

64

America’s Current Course

Currently on the right track Currently on the wrong track

Broad Elites

Gen Pop

64

55

36

45

America’s Best Days America’s best days are still ahead of itAmerica’s best days are already behind it

55







57% of Americans who believe they are living the Dream believe America is on the wrong track

Not Living the Dream

Living the Dream

28

43

72

57



Not Living the Dream

Living the Dream

47

62

53

38


56

• 38% believe America’s best days are behind it







62% Americans who are satisfied with their lives believe America is on the wrong track

Dissatisfied With Life

Satisfied With Life

20

38

80

62



Dissatisfied With Life

Satisfied With Life

34

58

66

42


• 42% believe America’s best days are behind it

57







Older Americans are more likely to Believe America is on the Wrong Track

65+

51-64

31-50

30 or younger

27

30

40

39

73

70

60

61



65+

51-64

31-50

30 or younger

52

49

57

58

47

51

43

42


58







White Americans are far more pessimistic than other major ethnic groups

Asian

Latino/Hispanic

African-American

White

60

48

63

27

40

52

37

73



Asian

Latino/Hispanic

African-American

White

73

63

80

48

25

37

20

52


59






Q207. Do you consider yourself wealthy, middle class or poor?

Most Americans identify themselves as middle class

60


30 or under 31-50 51-64 65+ White African American

Latino/ Hispanic

Asian

28

3

26 29 3020

27 3124 21

69

86

70 67 6777

71 6468 76

311

4 4 2 3 2 5 8 3

Do you consider yourself wealthy, middle class or poor?

Poor Middle class Wealthy






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

Broad Elites

Gen Pop

64

55

36

45

Role of the Middle Class

The middle class remains central to the stability and health of American societyThe middle class has lost its historic role and importance in American society

61






Younger and Non-White Americans believe more strongly that the middle class remains central to American society

Asian

Latino/Hispanic

African-American

White

59

68

60

51

39

32

40

49


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

65+

51-64

31-50

30 or younger

52

51

55

60

48

49

45

40


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

62Q33. Which of the following statements is closest to your own view about the role and importance of the middle class in America?






Q34. Which of the following are the most significant problems in America today? Please select your top 3.

Problems in AmericaRanked 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 Answers63







Problems in AmericaRanked by 30 or Younger 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 Answers64







Problems in AmericaRanked 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 Answers65






Q124. Which of the following could have the most impact in reducing the economic inequality? Please select only 3.

Reducing Economic InequalityRanked by Gen Pop Gen Pop

Broad Elites

Increase taxes on wealthy 34 31

Reduce national debt 26 27


Cut taxes 23 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







Reducing Economic InequalityRanked by 30 or Younger

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







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







Reducing Economic InequalityRanked 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




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







Reducing Economic InequalityDemocrat Independent Republican

Increase taxes on wealthy 46 35 19

Increase minimum wage nationwide 36 26 12

Improve access to quality education in poor 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






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

Broad Elites

Gen Pop

58

64

42

36

Perceived Concentration of WealthAs 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






Younger and Hispanic Americans are more likely to believe that the concentration of wealth in the 1% is a problem

Asian

Latino/Hispanic

African-American

White

57

54

66

67

43

46

34

33

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 meThe concentration of wealth and privilege within the top 1% of American society is a problem

65+

51-64

31-50

30 or younger

70

68

60

63

30

32

40

37

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 meThe concentration of wealth and privilege within the top 1% of American society is a problem

71Q123 Which of the following is closer to your view?






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

Broad Elites

Gen Pop

84

76

16

24

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






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

Asian

Latino/Hispanic

African-American

White

64

72

66

80

36

28

34

20


Yes No

65+

51-64

31-50

30 or younger

85

80

74

71

15

20

26

29


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?







Focus on Inequality: Americans are unsure if technology is helping or hurting

Broad Elites

Gen Pop

62

51

38

49

Technology/OpportunitiesTechnology creates opportunities for all Americans Technology creates opportunities for only some Americans

74






Hispanic and Asian Americans are more likely to believe technology helps create opportunities for all Americans

Asian

Latino/Hispanic

African-American

White

58

61

51

49

42

39

49

51

Technology/Opportunities

Technology creates opportunities for all Americans

Technology creates opportunities for only some Americans

65+

51-64

31-50

30 or younger

52

49

49

55

48

51

51

45

Technology/Opportunities

Technology creates opportunities for all Americans

Technology creates opportunities for only some Americans


• There is little difference in perceptions of technology’s aid in opportunities among age groups






PERSONAL PREFERENCES & PRIORITIES

76






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

Broad Elites

Gen Pop

64

53

19

19

15

26

1

2

Ideal Place to LiveIn a family-oriented, suburban neighborhood In a vibrant urban neighborhood In a more rural area Something else

77






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

Asian

Latino/Hispanic

African-Americans

White

63

53

53

53

29

29

32

14

8

16

14

31

3

2

Ideal Placed to Live

In a family-oriented, suburban neighborhood In a vibrant urban neighborhoodIn a more rural areaSomething else

65+

51-64

31-50

30 or under

50

53

54

52

15

15

19

24

31

29

25

23

4

3

1

1

Ideal Placed to Live

In a family-oriented, suburban neighborhood In a vibrant urban neighborhoodIn a more rural areaSomething else

78






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.

Perso

nal C

ompu

ter

Car

Flat-s

cree

n TV

Health

care

cov

erag

e

Smar

tpho

ne

A living

wag

e

House

or C

ondo

mini

umTab

let

Home

offic

e/ D

en/ F

amily

room

6 m

onth

s of

em

erge

ncy

savin

gs

A fina

ncial

plan

for r

etire

men

t

Vacat

ion o

r sec

ond

hom

e

None

of th

e ab

ove

8985 82

7671

6155 55

45

33 33

81

9094 91 88

94

83 83 83

73 70 72

22

0

Item Ownership


• Broad Elites are more than twice as likely to have 6 months emergency savings and a retirement plan vs. Gen Pop

79






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.

Perso

nal C

ompu

ter

Car

Flat-s

cree

n TV

Health

care

cov

erag

e

Smar

tpho

ne

A living

wag

e

House

or C

ondo

mini

umTab

let

Home

offic

e/ D

en/ F

amily

room

6 m

onth

s of

em

erge

ncy

savin

gs

A fina

ncial

plan

for r

etire

men

t

Vacat

ion o

r sec

ond

hom

e

None

of th

e ab

ove

88 8884

8071 71

6759 58

47 45

11

1

8981 81

73 70

5044

51

31

19 20

4 1

Item Ownership

Living the American Dream Not Living the American Dream

80






Professional GoalsRanked by Gen Pop Gen Pop

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






Professional GoalsRanked 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






DEMOGRAPHICS

83






Demographics - Employment

Q6. Which of the following best describes your employment status? Please select all that apply.

EmploymentGen Pop Broad Elites

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






GenderGen Pop

Broad Elites

Male 49 60

Female 51 40

RegionGen Pop

Broad Elites

Northeast 18 24

Midwest 23 20

South 39 34

West 20 22

AgeGen 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/RuralGen 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






IncomeGen 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

EducationGen 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






Parental StatusGen 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 StatusGen 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






EthnicityGen 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?

CitizenshipGen 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






Political LeaningGen 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?

VoterGen 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 AffiliationGen Pop

Broad Elites

Democrat 31 30

Republican 25 31

Independent 35 34

Other 1 2

Don’t know 8 3

89


News & Politics

The Atlantic/Aspen Institute Survey 2015: The American Dream