A recent poll conducted by The Wall Street Journal and NORC at the University of Chicago reveals a growing disillusionment among Americans regarding the value of hard work in achieving financial success. Only 47% of respondents believe that working hard generally leads to economic advancement, marking a notable decline from previous decades when such optimism was more widespread. This shift reflects broader concerns about rising inequality, stagnant wages, and limited access to opportunities, especially among younger generations and lower-income households. n nThe survey, which included a nationally representative sample, also found that just 30% of those under 30 years old agree that effort translates into upward mobility. Meanwhile, nearly 60% of participants expressed the view that the economic system favors the wealthy and well-connected. These findings underscore a deepening skepticism about the so-called ‘American Dream,’ particularly as costs for essentials like housing, healthcare, and education continue to outpace income growth. n nExperts suggest that long-term structural challenges—such as disparities in education quality, job market polarization, and declining union membership—contribute to this erosion of faith. Policymakers and economists warn that without meaningful reforms, public trust in economic institutions may continue to weaken. n— news from The Wall Street Journal
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