The idea that hard work can lead to a stable life is central to how many Americans think about opportunity. People may not expect to become rich, but they often expect steady work to make housing, food, transportation, health care, and family life manageable. Many people now disagree about whether economic mobility still feels reliable. Some think opportunity is still available for people who make good choices. Others think costs, debt, unstable work, housing shortages, family background, or location have weakened the link between effort and a decent life. This poll asks how people judge the connection between effort and stability. Hard work still matters, but it is hard to tell people effort is enough when economic mobility feels out of reach for so many working households.
Do you think hard work still leads to a decent life?