How the American Dream has survived 250 years, but only just

The American Dream concept originated during the nation's founding period and has remained part of U.S. political discourse. According to Gallup polling data released in 2023, 48 percent of Americans said they believed in the American Dream, down from 65 percent in 2001. The decline has occurred across demographic groups, though the shift was most pronounced among those earning under 40,000 dollars annually. No recent legislation or policy change has been tied to the shift in belief levels.

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