NCoC: The Invisible Dream: Creating a New Conversation about the American Dream and What It Takes to Achieve It

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The Invisible Dream: Creating a New Conversation about the American Dream and What It Takes to Achieve It

Event Reflection by Alice Murphy

October 15, 2012

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This timely research provides fuel for the campaign debate over what contributes to helping Americans succeed.

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Alice MurphyProgram Manager, Civic Health InitiativesAlice serves as Program Manager of Civic Health Initiatives. In this role, Alice is responsible for managing the Civic Data Challenge and supporting the development and management of NCoC�s Civic Health Initiatives partner community.

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On Monday, October 1, the Public Agenda and the GALEWiLL Center for Opportunity and Progress released new research documenting how the American citizenry regards the American Dream. The event, held at the National Press Club, comprised of a panel discussion moderated by Fox News political analyst Juan Williams. Panelists included Isabel Sawhill of the Brookings Institution, Robert Samuelson of The Washington Post and Hedreck Smith, author of Who Stole the American Dream?.

This new research is part of a project called The Invisible Dream: Creating a New Conversation about the American Dream and What It Takes to Achieve It. The findings are based on a national survey of 2,000 respondents.

What is the American Dream?

When it comes to defining the American Dream, the participants’ definitions are flexible and, often, personal. There is some consensus around the idea that the American Dream is a general improvement in life style. 51 percent of respondents said the American Dream represents both the opportunity for people from modest beginning to live a secure, middle-class life and the opportunity for people from modest beginnings to achieve great wealth and fame.

What does it take to achieve the American Dream?

The research found that, regardless of political party, there was a broad consensus on the top three things that are “absolutely essential” to helping people achieve the Dream: a strong work ethic, values, and a good education. Strong communities where people look out for one another are also important to both Democrats and Republicans polled. Consensus on these top items crosses party lines, geography, education level, race and social class.

“Americans have a strong consensus on what the foundation of the American Dream is. How can we build on that foundation to make sure that as many people as possible can overcome challenge and access the Dream? The question shouldn’t be, ‘who built this,’ it should be, ‘how do we build this together.’”
-- Bob McKinnon, Executive Director of the GALEWiLL Center

The controversy lies in how members of each political party weigh and prioritize other elements of what it takes to achieve the Dream. The most notable differences among those polled include:

• A free enterprise system that encourages people to take bold risks without too much regulation. 60 percent of Republicans say this is essential, while only 27 percent of Democrats say the same.

• Access to basic health care and nutrition so that families can stay healthy and pursue their dreams. 77 percent of Democrats say this is absolutely essential. Only 44 percent of Republicans say the same.

• A government that helps people recover when they’re down on their luck. This is absolutely essential for 55 percent of Democrats relative to only 25 percent of Republicans.

Other divisions exist based on gender and income.

What did the panelists have to say?

“The 2012 presidential election could come down to a referendum on the American Dream, what it means and how people achieve it.” -- Mark Halperin of Time Magazine

Not surprisingly, the research suggests that the public is split right down the middle when it comes to the role of government in achieving the Dream. 42 percent of respondents agreed that “achieving the Dream is mainly something people do for themselves – what government and communities do doesn’t matter.” Meanwhile, 39 percent agreed with the statement “it’s crucial for the government and communities to take steps so every child has a fair chance at the American Dream.”

This issue took center stage during the panel discussion. Isabel Sawhill rejected the idea that the American Dream is either mainly an independent effort or government sponsored. Americans need both independent effort and social aide. Her reflections raised the question on whether phrasing the survey as an either/or choice could have created a false dichotomy.

Hedrick Smith suggested that there is oftentimes a distinction between how people view their own realization of the American Dream vs. the nation as a whole, and what’s required to achieve the two. While participants from both parties agree that a strong work ethic is absolutely necessary to achieve the American Dream, they disagree on the amount of support the government should provide.

For his part, Robert Samuelson was heartened to see that, according to the data, the American legacy of rugged individualism persists. According to the survey, Americans believe that hard work and work ethic continue to play a pivotal role in achieving the Dream. These are viewed as so critical, in fact, that they also make up what is perceived as the most significant threats to the Dream. When asked what is placing the American Dream in danger, 43 percent said hard workers being shut out while 43 percent cited a decline of work ethic.

What does the American Dream mean to you? What does it take to achieve it?

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