The 'American Dream' of upward mobility is broken. Look at the numbers | Mark R Rank and Lawrence M Eppard

The US has far less mobility and equality of opportunity today than almost the entire European Union

The US has long prided itself as being an exceptionally fluid society with respect to social class and economic mobility. The American Dream holds that anyone who works hard can achieve economic success - perhaps even rise from rags to riches.

Underlying this belief is the assumption of abundant opportunity and meritocracy. Arriving immigrants often believe they have come to a land of opportunity, with a level playing field allowing for advancement and success. Those who fail to do so tend to blame themselves.