The phrase “The American Dream” has been around for over a century, symbolizing the belief that success is achievable through hard work and determination. Today, about 53% of Americans believe the dream is still possible, while 41% say it was once attainable but is not anymore. A small 6% believe it was never possible, according to a Pew Research Center survey of 8,709 U.S. adults.
SKEPTICISM OVER TIME
Although this survey marks the first time the Center asked about the American Dream in this manner, past surveys indicate that many Americans have long been sceptical about its future.
There are modest differences in beliefs about the American Dream across race, ethnicity, partisanship, and education. However, significant divides appear when examining age and income.
AGE DIFFERENCES
Americans aged 50 and older are more likely to believe in the American Dream. About 68% of those 65 and older and 61% of those aged 50 to 64 believe the dream is still achievable. In contrast, only 42% of adults under 50 share this belief.
INCOME DISPARITIES
Income significantly influences beliefs about the American Dream. While 64% of upper-income Americans believe the dream is still possible, only 39% of lower-income Americans agree—a gap of 25 percentage points. Middle-income Americans fall in between, with 56% believing in the dream’s attainability.
RACE AND ETHNICITY
Approximately half of Americans across all racial and ethnic groups believe the American Dream remains possible. However, Black Americans are about twice as likely as those in other groups to say the dream was never possible, with 11% holding this view compared to the 6% overall average.
PARTISANSHIP
Partisanship also plays a role in beliefs about the American Dream. About 56% of Republicans and Republican leaners believe the dream is still possible, compared to 50% of Democrats and Democratic leaners.
EDUCATION
Education levels further influence these beliefs. A 57% majority of adults with a bachelor’s degree or higher education believe in the American Dream, compared to 50% of those with less education.
AGE AND INCOME DIFFERENCES WITHIN POLITICAL PARTIES
Age
Majorities of Republicans (64%) and Democrats (67%) aged 50 and older believe in the American Dream. However, only 38% of Democrats under 50 and 48% of Republicans under 50 think the dream is still possible.
income
In both parties, upper-income Americans are about 25 points more likely than lower-income Americans to believe in the American Dream.
PERSONAL ACHIEVEMENT OF THE AMERICAN Dream
Americans are divided on whether they can personally achieve the American Dream. About 31% say they have achieved it, while 36% feel they are on their way. Another 30% believe it is out of reach. These views are consistent with a 2022 survey.
Race and Ethnicity
White adults (39%) are more likely to say they have achieved the American Dream compared to Black (15%) and Hispanic adults (19%), and are about as likely as Asian adults (34%) to hold this view. Conversely, Black (48%), Hispanic (47%), and Asian adults (46%) are more likely than White adults (29%) to say they are on their way to achieving it.
Partisan Views
Republicans are more likely than Democrats to say they have achieved the American Dream (38% vs. 28%). However, Democrats are somewhat more likely than Republicans to believe they are on their way to achieving it (38% vs. 34%). Democrats are also more likely to view the dream as personally out of reach.
Income and Age
Older and higher-income Americans are more likely to say they have achieved or are within reach of the American Dream. These patterns mirror the general views about the American Dream’s attainability.