¿Qué queda del sueño americano?

The American Dream, once a symbol of opportunity and upward mobility, appears to be under increasing scrutiny among U.S. citizens. A recent survey conducted by Gallup and the Milken Institute's Center for the Future of the American Dream (MCAAD) reveals that less than half of Americans believe everyone has a realistic chance of achieving this ideal. The study, which surveyed over 6,300 adults, found that only 46 percent agree that "everyone in this country has the opportunity to achieve the American Dream," marking a five-point decline compared to 2024. This drop comes as the United States celebrates its 250th anniversary, raising questions about whether the nation’s foundational promise remains intact.

The term "American Dream" was coined in the 1930s and often evokes images of suburban families, secure jobs, and beach vacations. However, the latest Gallup survey also shows that 69 percent of Americans still believe they can achieve this dream, albeit a four-point decrease from 2024. Emily Mitzner from the Milken Institute notes that the concept is frequently misunderstood as being narrowly defined—such as owning a home or social advancement—when in reality, most respondents associate it more broadly with personal freedom and rights. Peter Loge, director of the School of Media and Public Affairs at George Washington University, points out that while the American Dream has always been somewhat abstract, the survey highlights how many people still align around broader interpretations, such as freedom rather than material possessions.

According to Loge, the path to the American Dream may be damaged but not irreparable. He emphasizes that Americans want a fair opportunity to realize their dreams, even if they feel the system is rigged against them. The data also reveal that 58 percent of Americans describe the dream as "unfinished," a sentiment shared similarly by Republicans, Democrats, and independents. This perspective stands out in today’s highly polarized political climate, where few issues bridge ideological divides.

Behind the declining trust lies a long-term economic trend documented by economist Raj Chetty of Harvard University. His research, part of the Opportunity Insights project, indicates that the proportion of children whose earnings at age 30 exceed those of their parents has dropped significantly. For those born in 1940, this figure was around 90 percent, but for those born in 1984, it has fallen to just 50 percent. This suggests that for younger generations, the prospect of surpassing their parents financially has become nearly impossible. Chetty describes this as a collapse of one of the fundamental tenets of the American Dream—the idea that children should have a higher standard of living than their parents.

Historical trends support this observation. In 1998, 81 percent of Americans believed there were abundant opportunities for advancement, but by 2019, this number had dropped to about 70 percent. According to a Pew Research Center study from 2024, only 53 percent of Americans now think the American Dream is still achievable. The 2026 survey further highlights income disparities in perceptions of the dream. Previous Gallup measurements showed that 80 percent of individuals from households earning $100,000 or more considered the dream attainable, compared to 61 percent of those from households earning below $40,000 annually.

The generational divide is particularly pronounced among the youngest Americans. According to a survey by CNBC and SurveyMonkey, 42 percent of Generation Z members believe the American Dream is accessible only to a select few. Lindsey Pollak, an author and lecturer specializing in intergenerational workplace relationships, warns that those who wish to achieve the lifestyle their parents did may find it increasingly difficult. However, she adds that Americans still see opportunities—not necessarily in a single job or company for life—but in the ability to remain adaptable and find meaningful career paths.

Some economists caution that Generation Z could be the first in modern American history to face a situation where the majority might lack any possibility of realizing some version of the American Dream, due to a combination of unstable labor markets and other challenges. These findings underscore a growing concern that the American Dream, once seen as a universal aspiration, may now be perceived as increasingly elusive for many segments of the population.