There are some striking divides in a new CNN poll, but they aren’t necessarily the partisan kind Americans have come to expect: The divides are more gray than red versus blue. The first has to do with the American Dream, which a growing number of Americans feel is out of reach. Most, 54%, still agreed with the idea that “people who want to get ahead can make it if they’re willing to work hard,” in the new poll, conducted by SSRS. What’s noteworthy is that when CNN asked the same question back in 2016, more than two-thirds of respondents, 67%, agreed with that optimistic idea. Looking at the new poll’s results by age, younger Americans are less bullish that they can “make it.” About half, 51%, of those under 45, felt that “Hard work and determination are no guarantee of success for most people,” compared with 41% of those 45 and older. There’s likely some partisanship behind those numbers, since younger Americans tend to be more liberal, despite the inroads that President Donald Trump and Republicans have made with young people. But the age divide exists, to a more modest extent, even within the Democratic Party. More than two-thirds of Democrats and Democratic-leaning independents under 45 say that hard work and determination are no guarantee of success. A smaller portion, 62% of older Democrats and Democratic-leaning independents feel that way. Read the full report by CNN’s Ariel Edwards-Levy. A second question in the poll asks whether the government should do more or whether it is trying to do too many things already. A majority, 58%, say the government should do more to solve the country’s problems, up from just 51% when CNN asked the question nearly two years ago. More young people, 63% of those under 45, said they want more from the government, compared with 54% of those 45 and older. The government arguably does more for older people: It helps to provide health care in the form of Medicare and retirement benefits in the form of Social Security for a large portion of older Americans. At the same time, the ballooning national debt means those programs’ future is on an unsustainable path for younger Americans. Asked about which party they feel represents their views on the economy, three-quarters of people over 45 picked either Democrats (32%) or Republicans (42%), leaving just about a quarter of older Americans who said neither party represented them on the economy. A larger portion of people under 45, 38%, said they did not feel represented by either party on the economy. Another CNN story published Monday might help explain some of the malaise felt by younger Americans. This is from CNN’s report on the “No hire, no fire” economy by Matt Egan: … Even as the overall labor market looks relatively healthy, economists say this is the worst market for new college graduates since the height of the Covid-19 pandemic. Recent grads are finding that it takes considerable time to get hired, leaving them unemployed and saddled with student debt for a frustratingly long time. For the first time since record-keeping on the topic began in 1980, the unemployment rate for recent graduates (those 22 to 27 years old with a bachelor’s degree or higher) is consistently higher than the national unemployment rate, according to Oxford Economics. The unemployment rate for people between 20 and 24 is twice the national average, and there is evidence that companies are adjusting how they make entry-level hires as they adopt AI advancements. All of that could point to a distinct lack of optimism among younger Americans.
Young people are skeptical of the American Dream
TruthLens AI Suggested Headline:
"Younger Americans Express Growing Skepticism About the American Dream"
CNN
8.6
TruthLens AI Summary
A recent CNN poll reveals significant skepticism among younger Americans regarding the attainability of the American Dream. While a majority of respondents, 54%, still believe that hard work can lead to success, this number has decreased from 67% in 2016. Notably, the survey indicates a stark generational divide: only 51% of individuals under 45 hold the belief that determination guarantees success, in contrast to 41% of those aged 45 and older. This trend is further reflected within the Democratic Party, where over two-thirds of younger Democrats express doubt about the efficacy of hard work in achieving success. The findings suggest that younger Americans, who typically lean more liberal, are increasingly disillusioned with traditional pathways to success, possibly influenced by the current economic climate and job market challenges they face.
In addition to their skepticism about personal success, younger Americans also express a desire for increased government intervention. The poll shows that 63% of individuals under 45 believe the government should take more action to address the nation's issues, compared to 54% of those aged 45 and older. This demand for greater governmental support may stem from the perception that older populations receive more assistance, such as Medicare and Social Security, while younger generations grapple with rising national debt and economic uncertainty. Furthermore, the job market presents significant hurdles for new graduates, with unemployment rates for recent college graduates now exceeding national averages, leading to prolonged periods of unemployment and student debt. The current economic landscape, characterized by a lack of entry-level job opportunities and the impact of AI on hiring practices, contributes to a growing sense of pessimism among young Americans about their future prospects.
TruthLens AI Analysis
The article provides insights into a recent CNN poll indicating a growing skepticism among younger Americans regarding the traditional notion of the American Dream. It highlights generational divides in perceptions of hard work's effectiveness in achieving success, along with a shift in attitudes toward government intervention. The findings reflect broader social and economic concerns among younger demographics, who increasingly feel that the American Dream is unattainable.
Generational Divide in Perceptions of Success
The data reveals that younger Americans, particularly those under 45, are less optimistic about their ability to succeed through hard work compared to older generations. This shift from 67% to 54% agreement on the potential for success through hard work since 2016 suggests a growing disillusionment. The article notes that more than half of younger respondents believe that hard work does not guarantee success, contrasting with the more optimistic views of older individuals. This generational perspective may also be influenced by political beliefs, as younger Americans tend to lean more liberal.
Government Intervention and Expectations
A significant majority, 58%, of respondents now believe the government should take more action to address national issues, a rise from 51% two years ago. Younger individuals are particularly vocal, with 63% supporting increased government involvement. This sentiment may stem from the perception that government programs, such as Medicare and Social Security, primarily benefit older citizens, leaving younger generations feeling neglected in terms of support.
Potential Issues of Manipulation
While the article presents factual poll results, it may also serve to shape public perception by emphasizing the skepticism of younger Americans towards traditional values and the government. Presenting these views can create a narrative of disillusionment among youth that could be perceived as a call for social change. However, the language used does not appear overtly manipulative, as it relies on statistical data rather than emotive rhetoric.
Trustworthiness of the Article
The information provided is based on a reputable source, CNN, and reflects a systematic poll conducted by SSRS. Given the transparency of the polling methodology and the demographic breakdown of responses, the reliability of the findings is high. The article’s emphasis on generational differences can encourage dialogue about socioeconomic conditions affecting youth today.
Connection to Broader Issues
This report can connect to larger discussions about economic inequality and the perceived failure of the American Dream, which may resonate with various community groups advocating for social change. The findings could influence political discourse, especially among younger voters who feel disenfranchised.
The implications of this article could extend to various sectors, including education, healthcare, and employment, as it highlights a generational call for reevaluating policies that impact economic mobility and access to resources.