Reaching American Dream Depends on Where you Live

[Robert Heiny]

Eight states, primarily in the Mideast and New England regions, have higher upward and lower downward mobility than the nation as a whole. Also, states in the South have consistently lower upward and higher downward mobility.

“When it comes to achieving the American Dream, it matters where you live,” said Erin Currier, project manager of Pew’s Economic Mobility Project. “Understanding that mobility rates differ by state is the first step towards helping policy makers pinpoint what enhances their residents’ mobility.”

The study investigates Americans' mobility prospects during their prime working years—the 10-year span between ages 35-39 and 45-49. Our research focuses on individuals born between 1943 and 1958, with the most recent data coming from 2007.

Geographic mobility – whether people born in a particular state stayed there or moved elsewhere – does not drive overall state differences in economic mobility.

It does matter, however, for individuals. Those who moved out of their birth states had better mobility outcomes on average than those who did not.

Utah is the only state West of the Rockies with higher than average upward social mobility.

 

[Robert Heiny]

This is a devistating report to the ego of Western States admirers. It smashes the image that California is the land of opportunity. But, it fits with the dirty restrooms in fast food restaurants, potholed freeways, smog covering from San Diego to North of Sacramento, increasing numbers of prisons on both sides of Highway 99 and polluted ground water in the Central Valley with spots of unusually high levels of cancer among people living there. So sad.

 

[LPH]

This is a devistating report to the ego of Western States admirers. It smashes the image that California is the land of opportunity. But, it fits with the dirty restrooms in fast food restaurants, potholed freeways, smog covering from San Diego to North of Sacramento, increasing numbers of prisons on both sides of Highway 99 and polluted ground water in the Central Valley with spots of unusually high levels of cancer among people living there. So sad.

You are 100% spot on. Worse is that the ego and beliefs get in the way of making any changes.

 

[Paul]

West coast girls

 

[Robert Heiny]

Ah, yes, "Wish ..." on, Beach Boys! It still may happen if Spring Breaks across the warm belt in the U.S. are an indicator of California Girls. The more stable work ethic and agrarian culture of Northern California seems to be yielding to the fun, fun, fun of pop culture exported from Southern California at least among street and car people.

It's no longer startling to see tatoo parlors in malls or prison gang fashion attire in high dollar stores. And, North of Redding, expect to notice more pungent non-commercially available smoke waff from clothing as people pass through a super market. But, such exports have been the pride of SoCal admirers since gringos have lived there. Yes?

Now, Governor Brown, how are you going to fund the continued exporting of fun? With more fun in K12 public schools to raise more ambassadors (or are they desciples?) of fun to spread the happiness throughout the world?

Peace, Brothers and Sisters. Have a flower to brighten your day: Socrates said, 'The younger generation is going to the dogs." Well, that once included us as among the dogs, too!

So here's a question for political progressives, "Will historians 50 years from now refer to SoCal culture of today as a political gift of social progress for the world?" If yes, how do you see life at that mid century when today's K12ers run California? Or will they have been replaced in importance?

 

[Robert Heiny]

I think I should have posted this as a "Life & Style" article. How do I move it?