A recent poll conducted by the Wall Street Journal and NORC sheds light on the growing discontent among Americans regarding the state of the economy and the American dream. Only 31% of those surveyed believe that hard work still leads to success in America. Meanwhile, 46% feel that the dream once held true, but no longer does. Perhaps most strikingly, 23% believe the American dream never existed. The survey, conducted from July 10 to July 23, 2025, shows that nearly 70% of respondents hold views that reflect a profound disappointment in what was once considered an achievable ideal. This marks the highest level of skepticism recorded in nearly 15 years.
Concerns over basic living costs are a significant factor in this growing disillusionment. The poll indicates that 28% of participants are extremely concerned about grocery prices, with another 28% expressing very high levels of concern. A further 30% are somewhat concerned, while only 10% reported being not very concerned, and just 4% expressed no concern at all. Such figures paint a clear picture of anxiety around everyday expenses and indicate that many families are feeling the pinch at the grocery store. In fact, 66% of respondents admitted to opting for cheaper products to manage costs, evident in the significant shift in purchasing habits over the past year.
The outlook for improving one’s standard of living is bleak for many. Only 25% of those surveyed believe they have a realistic opportunity to enhance their living conditions—marking a record low since polling began in 1987. Among these respondents, only 6% strongly agreed that they or their families have a good chance of getting ahead, while 19% somewhat agreed. In contrast, nearly half disagreed, with a combined 23% strongly and 19% somewhat disagreeing. This overwhelming skepticism underlines a deep-seated frustration, especially when compared to the more optimistic views held in previous decades.
Housing affordability continues to bear heavily on people’s minds, with a large majority admitting it has become more difficult to buy a home compared to prior generations. Some 58% reported that homeownership is much harder now, and another 23% felt it’s a little more difficult. Only a small fraction, 2%, thought it was much easier, while only 5% believed it is a bit easier. Eleven percent see no change in the challenges of home buying. These figures reflect a dire situation for young families and individuals hoping to stake their claim to the American dream through homeownership.
In summary, the findings from the Wall Street Journal-NORC poll reveal a landscape of economic pessimism. Majorities express a lack of faith in the pathways to achieving the American dream, with rising costs and stagnant wages creating barriers that many feel are insurmountable. As people continue to grapple with these concerns, the erosion of hope for a better future illustrates a deep-rooted anxiety that invites critical conversations about the American economic landscape.
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