Activism and promise: Social justice and achievement
The survey found positive sentiment among American groups whose aspirations have historically faced legal, economic and social obstacles to signposts of the American Dream. These include access to education, financial security, providing a good life for children and the feeling of social equality.
When asked if a list of financial and non-financial aspirations seemed reachable to them personally, the ethnic groups categorized in the survey (White Americans, African Americans, Hispanics and Asian Americans) all responded positively, with little variation.
There was a positive response to whether the aspirations to “make a good living financially”, “buy a home” and “provide a good life for your children” could be reached. More than half of those surveyed in all groups found that to “be treated equally, regardless of one’s background” was reachable. African American groups responded most strongly that they personally felt it is achievable to do better than the generation that came before them (72%) and to pursue any career/type of work (65%).
Furthermore, it appears that strides have been made in LGBT groups, which face a lengthy history of obstacles. Although survey respondents who identify as LGBT tend to lag behind non-LGBT persons in personal satisfaction in various aspects of the American Dream today, the overall tone is optimistic. Two-thirds feel that to “live a good life” and “have the freedom to live as they choose” are reachable.
Although many battles for social justice wage on, these findings reflect the hope that legal and social activism is having an impact on the overall state of previously disenfranchised communities.