Few see 'becoming wealthy as essential to their view of the American dream Do you think each is essential, important butnot essential, or not important to your you OWN view of the American dream? (%,
Freedom of choice, family widely viewed as essential elements of American dream
While people differ on the meaning of the American dream, very few – just 11% of the public – say “being wealthy” is essential to their own view of it.
By contrast, majorities say “freedom of choice in how to live” (77%), having a good family life (70%) and retiring comfortably (60%) are essential to their view of the American dream.
Smaller shares say making valuable community contributions (48%), owning a home (43%) and having a successful career (also 43%) are essential to their view of the American dream, but relatively few (no more than 9%) say these are not important to the American dream.
Few see 'becoming wealthy as essential to their view  | of the American dream  | Do you think each is essential, important butnot essential, or not important  | to your you OWN view of the American dream? (%,  | Important,  | Not  | Essential  | not essential important  | Free dom of choice  | 22  | 77  | in how to live  | Have a good family life  | 70  | 28  | Retire comforta bly  | 60  | 36  | Make valua ble  | 48  | 46  | contributions to community  | 9  | Owna home  | 43  | 48  | Have a successful career  | 43  | 50  | Become wealthy  | 49  | 40  | Note: Don Survey tknow responses notshown. 15-21, 2017  | Source Survey conducted Aug 15-21, 2017  | PEW RESEARCH CENTER 