A new survey shows Americans are pessimistic about upward mobility, homeownership and travel. The negative perception misses some context.
Americans are filled with angst about the economy and perceived declines in standards of living. Rising inflation has raised anxiety levels, along with losses in the stock market and other factors. National elections also play a role, with some candidates getting voters riled up about how bad things seem.
A recent national survey raised the issue, with nearly half of all respondents, 46%, complaining that it's more difficult now to achieve a good standard of living compared to their parents. In addition, 54% expressed doubt that today's youth will have improved upward mobility and equal opportunities, according to the survey by the University of Chicago Harris School of Public Policy and the Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research.
That grim outlook is understandable given the often hefty expenses involved. Still, higher education often is worth the investment in time, effort and money, as income levels consistently increase for people with higher educational attainment. Graduates, especially in sought-after fields such as technology, finance and health care, continue to enjoy lucrative job prospects. Overall, a mere 1.8% of college graduates who want to work are unemployed.