The “American Dream” has long promised that hard work can lead to a better life. But today, many Americans doubt that their children will be better off than they are. New research sheds light on how this loss of faith affects parenting.
A team of researchers from Georgetown, the University of Chicago, and other institutions studied how parents’ beliefs about economic mobility influence the time and money they invest in their children. Their findings reveal that hope for a brighter future inspires parents to do more to help their kids succeed.
What the Study Found
The researchers conducted an online experiment with 1,000 parents from different backgrounds. Some parents were shown information that painted an optimistic picture of economic mobility in America—suggesting that many people rise up the economic ladder. Others saw a more pessimistic picture, focused on downward mobility.
Parents who received the positive message believed more strongly in the value of investing in their children. They were more willing to spend money on educational tools, like newsletters that explain how to help children learn. They also spent more time on activities that could benefit their kids.
This effect was the same for both wealthier and less well-off parents. Across the board, parents who believed in opportunity felt more motivated to invest in their children’s future.
Why Optimism Matters
It might seem logical that parents would step up their efforts when they see their children’s prospects as dim. But the study suggests the opposite: when parents lose faith in upward mobility, they invest less time and money in their kids.
The researchers think optimism and effort go hand in hand. When parents see opportunities ahead, they feel more confident that their investments will pay off, and they are willing to work harder to give their children a leg up.
These findings come at a crucial time. Many Americans feel that the dream of upward mobility is slipping away, even though unemployment is low and education still provides good returns. If pessimism spreads, fewer parents may invest in their children, widening the gap between rich and poor.
The study also highlights how perceptions of the economy can be out of step with reality. Public campaigns that showcase stories of success or explain the benefits of education could help rebuild faith in the American Dream.
This research offers a clear lesson: parents’ beliefs shape their actions, and those actions can change their children’s futures. By restoring hope in economic mobility, society can help parents do their part to keep the American Dream alive.
