A little bit about that. For a long time The U.S. has been described as the land of opportunity . Maybe all babies born today in America are not starting the race for the American Dream at the same starting line. Yes, because numerous Americans climb up the social ladder. No, because we don t climb very far.
Short range moves up the ladder are more common than long range mobility.
There is not much long range mobility. Most instances of social mobility involve subtle movements within one class level rather than striking changes between classes. That hard work and diligent application to studies can be rewarded. What you do after you are born is important. Being born to privilege or poverty sets the stage for our future schooling, our occupation, our income.