Americans' views on social mobility—the ability of individuals to improve their socioeconomic status over their lifetime—are closely tied to their faith in the status quo. Those who believe that social mobility is possible are more likely to be satisfied with the way things are and to trust in institutions such as the government and the economy. In contrast, those who believe that social mobility is difficult or impossible are more likely to be dissatisfied with the status quo and to distrust institutions.

Key Findings

* 82% percent of Americans believe that it is possible for someone to improve their socioeconomic status in the United States, but a majority (63%) believe that doing so is difficult.

* 55% of Americans believe that the American Dream—the idea that anyone can achieve success in the United States through hard work and determination—is still achievable, but a majority (61%) believe that it is more difficult to achieve today than it was in the past.

* 62% of Americans believe that the United States is a land of opportunity, but a majority (60%) believe that it is more difficult to achieve upward mobility today than it was 50 years ago.

Differences in Views by Race/Ethnicity

* Non-Hispanic whites (91%) are more likely than black (79%) or Hispanic (78%) Americans to believe that it is possible to improve their socioeconomic status in the United States.

* Black (66%) and Hispanic (70%) Americans are more likely than non-Hispanic white (58%) Americans to believe that the American Dream is still achievable, but blacks (73%) and Hispanics (78%) are also more likely than whites (62%) to believe that it is more difficult to achieve today than it was in the past.

* Black (72%) and Hispanic (75%) Americans are also more likely than non-Hispanic white Americans (58%) to believe that the United States is a land of opportunity, but blacks (78%) and Hispanics (79%) are also more likely than whites (59%) to believe that it is more difficult to achieve upward mobility today than it was 50 years ago.

Implications

Americans' views on social mobility have important implications for their faith in the status quo. Those who believe that social mobility is possible are more likely to be satisfied with the way things are and to trust in institutions such as the government and the economy. In contrast, those who believe that social mobility is difficult or impossible are more likely to be dissatisfied with the status quo and to distrust institutions. This suggests that perceptions of social mobility play an important role in shaping people's political and economic attitudes.

Recommendations

To promote social mobility and increase faith in the status quo, policymakers should focus on policies that:

* Invest in early childhood education and provide access to quality educational opportunities for all children. This can help to level the playing field and ensure that children from all backgrounds have the same opportunities to achieve success.

* Expand access to job training and skills development programs. This can help workers to develop the skills they need to compete for good jobs and earn higher wages.

* Increase the minimum wage and strengthen labor laws. This can help to ensure that workers are paid fairly for their work and can afford to support themselves and their families.

* Invest in affordable housing and transportation. This can help to reduce costs for families and make it easier for people to move to areas with better job opportunities.

* Crack down on discrimination. This can help to create a more level playing field for people from all backgrounds.