Young People Are Losing Faith in the American Dream

A generational divide is becoming more apparent in how Americans view success, opportunity, and the role of government. Recent polling data highlights a noticeable shift in attitudes among younger Americans, particularly regarding the belief in the American Dream—the long-standing idea that hard work and determination can lead to upward mobility and a better life.

While a slight majority of Americans (54%) still believe that those who work hard can succeed, this belief has diminished over time. Just a few years ago, nearly 67% of people expressed confidence in that ideal. Today, younger adults are far less convinced.

Among those under 45, only about half agree that effort alone can guarantee success. In contrast, a greater percentage of those aged 45 and older continue to support the notion that perseverance pays off. This generational skepticism suggests that younger Americans are increasingly disillusioned with traditional narratives about success.

This doubt isn’t just a matter of politics. Although younger people tend to lean more progressive, the uncertainty about achieving success cuts across political identities, even within the Democratic base. A larger share of younger Democrats and left-leaning independents believe that hard work isn’t enough compared to their older counterparts.

Support for Government Intervention Is Rising Among the Young

At the same time, younger Americans appear to be more supportive of a greater government role in addressing national problems. Nearly two-thirds of adults under 45 believe the government should be doing more to improve the country, up from just over half in recent years. Older adults are somewhat less likely to support increased government action, with 54% favoring a more involved government.

This generational contrast could be tied to how government programs currently serve different age groups. Older Americans benefit from federal assistance like Social Security and Medicare, while younger people often face rising housing costs, student debt, and uncertain job prospects with fewer safety nets.

Additionally, younger adults express less trust in political parties when it comes to economic issues. Nearly 4 in 10 respondents under 45 say neither major party reflects their economic priorities, signaling a growing sense of political alienation. Older Americans, by contrast, tend to align more clearly with either Republicans or Democrats when it comes to economic policies.

A Tougher Road Ahead for Recent Graduates

Much of this frustration may be driven by the reality of today’s job market. Despite low overall unemployment, young adults—particularly recent college graduates—are having a harder time securing employment. The jobless rate for 22- to 27-year-olds with a college degree remains consistently above the national average, and those in the 20–24 age bracket are facing unemployment rates nearly twice as high as the broader population.

Employers appear to be rethinking how they hire entry-level workers, with artificial intelligence and automation playing a larger role in shaping hiring decisions. These changes may be contributing to the lengthier job searches and fewer opportunities for recent graduates, all while student loan burdens continue to grow.

Taken together, these trends reveal a broader loss of confidence among young people—not just in the economy, but in the systems meant to support them. As the American Dream feels increasingly out of reach, younger generations are questioning whether traditional pathways to success still exist.