America is described as “The Land of Opportunity,” a place where people are instilled with the idea of how hard work opens up countless educational and financial opportunities, no matter what social class you are born into. But, is social mobility really possible for everyone? A team of UC Berkeley and Harvard economists conducted a study that found how less than 8 percent of people born at the bottom 20 percent of the economic ladder climb to the top 20 percent as adults. With the help of cartoon journalist Andy Warner, KQED’s The Lowdown explains the different factors such as location and family structure that may impact Americans’ ability to fulfill the American Dream.
America, the Land of Opportunity? Not for Most Poor Kids, One Study FindsAmerica, the Land of Opportunity? Not for Most Poor Kids, One Study Finds Includes cartoon infographic Contrary to the mantra commonly touted by campaigning politicians, few Americans born into poverty ever get to experience the iconic rise from “rags to riches.”
via Kqed