The concept of the American Dream varies for everyone. Opinions on it are as diverse as the country itself.
Generally, the American Dream is seen as the belief that anyone can succeed in the U.S. if they’re willing to put in the effort.
A recent study provides some intriguing insights. Participants were asked to rank 61 different aspects of what makes up the American Dream, ranging from wealth and success to marriage and parenthood.
When reflecting on personal definitions, 56% of individuals feel that success is tied to achieving what matters most to them. The top measure of success? Making a positive impact on others. This idea seems to hold true across different genders, ages, income levels, and political beliefs. If there’s a positive influence on others, it can come from all sorts of activities.
A significant number of Americans believe that character is a crucial sign of success. They resonate with people who share similar values.
Interestingly, many don’t see wealth as the key to success. Instead, they prioritize economic independence, financial stability, and peace of mind.
For the first time, traditional higher education isn’t viewed as a top indicator of success; in fact, four-year degrees ranked 54th among the 61 attributes.
On the other hand, vocational certifications in skilled trades (like plumbing, electrical work, or mechanics) are now considered more significant markers of success than professions such as medicine or law.
Marriage, or having a significant other, remains important (#19), yet many don’t view marriage as essential for a successful life.
In contrast, having children ranks as the fourth most crucial aspect of a successful life. Interestingly, being a single parent is seen as a more significant indication of success than being married.
Interestingly, 63% of people mistakenly believe that others only associate the American Dream with “financial success through hard work,” suggesting that many think everyone equates success only with income. However, that’s a misconception; only 37% of people actually define success this way.
This misunderstanding is so pervasive that there’s no single demographic group that accurately perceives how others define their successful lives and dreams.
Ultimately, many just want to lead a good life. They aren’t overly focused on wealth or fame. Instead, they prioritize good work, financial savings for retirement, parenthood, and living debt-free.
What if this is just one of many misconceptions about fellow Americans? What if we don’t truly understand each other? Perhaps our values are more aligned than we realize, and we all share similar aspirations.
What matters most is that people want to do work that has a positive impact, enjoy their jobs, connect with others, have a sense of purpose, and engage with their communities.
This suggests that the American Dream is accessible to everyone, independent of their financial background, education, political beliefs, or geographic location. That’s the essence of the American Dream today.
