(TheRedAlertNews.com) – In what can only be described as a sad reality for the most powerful and prosperous nation the world has ever known, a new poll has found that fewer and fewer in the nation continue to believe in the inspiring promise of the American dream.
Recent polling data reveals a significant shift in voters’ belief in the American dream, the long-held idea that hard work leads to success in the United States.
According to a survey by the Wall Street Journal and the University of Chicago, only about 36% of voters believe the American dream is still a reality, The Washington Times observes in a report.
This figure reflects a downward trend in this belief; in 2016, 48% of voters believed in the American dream, a decrease from 53% in 2012.
The poll also uncovers a gender disparity in the belief in the American dream.
Only 28% of female voters believe the dream is still achievable, compared to a higher percentage, 46%, of male voters who maintain this belief.
The skepticism about the American dream is even more pronounced among younger voters, with just 28% upholding the belief.
In contrast, a larger proportion, 48%, of voters over 65 believe that the American dream remains valid.
Moreover, the poll delved into voters’ perceptions of life in America compared to 50 years ago and their views on the fairness of the country’s economic and political systems.
A significant 50% of those polled believe that life in America is worse now than it was half a century ago.
The same percentage of voters also agree that the current economic and political systems are unfairly “stacked against” them, suggesting a pervasive sense of inequity and disillusionment with the status quo.
Interestingly, there has been a slight improvement in how voters rate the economy, with 35% now considering it “excellent” or “good,” up from 20% in May.
Correspondingly, the percentage of those who rate the economy as “not so good” or “poor” has decreased to 65% from a previous 83%.
Inflation emerged as a key factor contributing to the lack of economic confidence among voters.
The rising cost of living and the consequent impact on personal finances appear significant concerns affecting the public’s economic sentiment.
This poll, conducted between October 19 and 24, surveyed 1,163 registered voters. The survey results have a margin of error of 4 percentage points.
