Tough economic times have taken their toll on Americans’ outlook for moving ahead, according to a new study.

Four years ago, 40% said they were “very satisfied” as far as being able to advance their lives through hard work. By 2011, that percentage had plummeted to 21%.

According to the study from Illinois Wesleyan University, American Public Opinion on Economic Inequality, Taxes, and Mobility: 1990–2011, Americans also have grown more despondent about the future for young people. Less than 30% said they believed the next generation would have more opportunity to get ahead than they did.

-Noel Brinkerhoff

To Learn More:

American Public Opinion on Economic Inequality, Taxes and Mobility (Journalist’s Resource)

American Public Opinion on Economic Inequality, Taxes, and Mobility: 1990–2011 (by Greg M. Shaw and Laura Gaffey, Public Opinion Quarterly) (abstract only)