American Dream Shifts From Possessions To ‘Freedom’ and ‘Family’

Excerpt:

The “American dream,” born out of the Great Depression in 1931, has shifted away from material possessions to a more holistic pursuit of freedom and family life, according to a sweeping new pre-Independence Day survey of the nation.

Once represented by the hope for a house, a white picket fence, and a good job, the current American dream has a deeper meaning, and one that seven in 10 believe is more achievable.

“Although many people say owning a home, having a successful career, and becoming wealthy are important to them, they do not place the same value on these achievements as freedom, meaning, and family,” said the latest American Dream report from the Archbridge Institute.

“’Freedom of choice in how to live’ and ‘having a good family life’ are the most essential achievements for all age, education, ethnic, income, and political groups. Just 15% of Americans overall view ‘becoming wealthy’ as essential to the American Dream,” added the survey of 2,100 adults jointly done with NORC at the University of Chicago and its AmeriSpeak panel.

Over time, the American dream has changed in the eyes of the nation, and economics often plays a big role in changing the meaning. This year was no different, said Archbridge.

For example, concerns about President Donald Trump’s international trade tariffs weighed heavily on some of those surveyed. Some 58% said the tariffs will limit their chances of achieving the dream.

And younger Americans, much more than others, said that the dream is out of reach.

“The American Dream is the single greatest unifying narrative in our nation’s history,” said Gonzalo Schwarz, president and CEO of Archbridge. “It is encouraging to see so many millions of Americans retain their core belief in the American Dream as the pathway to a better life. However, we must continue to support the American Dream — economically, psychologically, and culturally — for it to flourish, and our elected officials have a pivotal role to play too,” he added.

Read the full article at The Washington Examiner.

Read the American Dream Snapshot here.