It is understood that perceptions and experiences of social mobility can influence decision making outcomes. How it may impact one’s decision to be prosocial is less researched. It is hypothesized...Show moreIt is understood that perceptions and experiences of social mobility can influence decision making outcomes. How it may impact one’s decision to be prosocial is less researched. It is hypothesized that through the meritocratic mechanisms of the American dream, viewing everyone as capable of climbing the social ladder, individuals’ sensitivity towards the needs of the poor is decreased. Given America’s emphasis on the meritocracy, the research aim is of greater interest: whether the interaction between, and independent impact of perceptions and experiences of social mobility, influence charitable giving in the form of donation amount. The study was conducted via a survey on Prolific that sampled American respondents’ perceived and experienced mobility, and the opted donation amount to charity. Non-significant statistical analyses determined the absence of an interaction between these factors. Likewise, perceived social mobility does not correlate with charitable giving, the reasons for which are examined. Significant negative and positive correlations were found between experienced social mobility with: charitable behavior and perceived social mobility. The former is discussed to operate via the ‘hot and cold’ empathy mechanism, and the causality of the latter is explored. The findings of this research deviate from other data but generates novel avenues for further investigation. Additionally, the study highlights substantial experienced downward mobility and a perceived low chance for social mobility in the United States.Show less
Higher education has now more than ever transformed into a commodity on which millions of young individuals across the United States of America put forward their hopes, dreams, aspirations, and...Show moreHigher education has now more than ever transformed into a commodity on which millions of young individuals across the United States of America put forward their hopes, dreams, aspirations, and success. In this view, it can be argued that the goal of moving up the socioeconomic ladder is highly dependent on the likelihood to which one can obtain a degree that will allow them to pursue their full potential in the workforce. Furthermore, given the tremendous increase in the number of undergraduates borrowing loans as well as the default rates on those loans, it is safe to assume that student debt is one of the critical issues for college graduates. This work aims to bridge the gap between the current research on the realization of college graduates in the United States labor force and the contemporary version of the American Dream based on data from the past ten years. Using a combination of quantitative and qualitative measures, the goal is to ultimately expose the adverse effect of student loan debt on homeownership and unemployment rates alongside average earnings for college graduates.Show less
The election of Obama, the first black president of the United States, marked a significant break with the past. Scholars have studied the rise in optimism for racial progress in light of the...Show moreThe election of Obama, the first black president of the United States, marked a significant break with the past. Scholars have studied the rise in optimism for racial progress in light of the symbolic significance of this historic event. However, the literature fails to address the relationship between Obama’s actions and policies and African Americans’ perceptions of opportunity to achieve the American Dream. This thesis finds that Obama generally took a one-size-fits-all approach, targeting all Americans including blacks. Drawing on sixteen survey responses and various national polls, this thesis argues that the majority of African Americans believe that Obama has expanded opportunities to achieve the American Dream. However, using the dual consciousness theory, it also identifies that both structural barriers, such as discrimination, and individual barriers, such as unstable conditions in black families continue to limit blacks’ opportunities to achieve the American Dream.Show less
