Chasing the American Dream : understanding what shapes our fortunes /
Rank, Mark R.,author.
Hirschl, Thomas A.,1954-,author.
Foster, Kirk A.,author.
"The United States has been epitomized as a land of opportunity, where hard work and skill can bring personal success and economic well-being. The American Dream has captured the imagination of people from all walks of life, and to many, it represents the heart and soul of the country. But there is another, darker side to the bargain that America strikes with its people -- it is the price we pay for our individual pursuit of the American Dream. That price can be found in the economic hardship present in the lives of millions of Americans."--Inside front jacket.
Includes bibliographical references (pages 211-217) and index.
Introduction --  Part I The Dreams : Freedom to Pursue -- Economic Security -- The Next Horizon ;  Part II The Pathways : The Landscape of Opportunity -- Upward Mobility -- Cumulative Inequality -- Twists of Fate ; Part III The Meanings : The Significance of the American Dream -- Reshaping the Future.
"The United States has been epitomized as a land of opportunity, where hard work and skill can bring personal success and economic well-being. The American Dream has captured the imagination of people from all walks of life, and to many, it represents the heart and soul of the country. But there is another, darker side to the bargain that America strikes with its people -- it is the price we pay for our individual pursuit of the American Dream. That price can be found in the economic hardship present in the lives of millions of Americans."--Inside front jacket.
Working class
Economic history.
Economics.
Wealth.