Sourcers:

Americans are split over the state of the American dream: https://www.pewresearch.org/short-reads/2024/07/02/americans-are-split-over-the-state-of-the-american-dream/

The State of the American Middle Class: https://www.pewresearch.org/race-and-ethnicity/2024/05/31/the-state-of-the-american-middle-class/

Both Pew Research Center reports examine the current state of the American middle class. The first report explores Americans' perceptions of the "American Dream," finding that a majority believe it remains attainable, although younger generations are more skeptical than their older counterparts. This report also finds that income and age play a significant role in these perceptions. The second report provides a comprehensive analysis of the American middle class since 1970, demonstrating a decline in the share of Americans considered middle income and a widening income gap between those in the middle and upper income tiers. The report also examines the demographic characteristics of the middle class, finding that certain groups, such as immigrants, Black and Hispanic Americans, and those with less education, are disproportionately represented in lower income tiers.