The Decline of Upward Mobility in One Chart

1 Credit

For decades, a majority of Americans have been able to climb the economic ladder by earning higher incomes than their parents. These improving conditions are known as upward mobility, and form an important part of the American Dream.

However, each consecutive generation is finding it harder to make this ascent. This graphic illustrates the decline in upward mobility over five decades using data from Opportunity Insights.

Visualization type: Infographic

The Decline of Upward Mobility in One Chart

For decades, a majority of Americans have been able to climb the economic ladder by earning higher incomes than their parents. These improving conditions are known as upward mobility, and form an important part of the American Dream.

However, each consecutive generation is finding it harder to make this ascent. This graphic illustrates the decline in upward mobility over five decades using data from Opportunity Insights.


First published: August 26, 2020 (link)

Source files included: .ai, .eps, .pdf

Data source: Opportunity Insights

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Full License (1 Credit)