Why do we need GDP to grow anyway?
Noel King Apr 26, 2013
U.S. GDP grew at an annual pace of 2.5 percent in the first quarter, disappointing investors and many economists. But why is GDP growth necessary?
Caution: Chasing a dream doesn't always work out
Kai Ryssdal Mar 31, 2013
Chasing your dream can take a lot of time and cash. And there's no guarantee that doing what you love will work out exactly as you had hoped.
Families face tough choices in the shadow of the Great Recession
David Lazarus Mar 15, 2013
A new HBO documentary takes a look at how millions of families have been left out in the cold in the richest country on Earth.
Can you still make it in America?
Kai Ryssdal Jan 18, 2013
Asking Chicagoans what it means to make it in America in today's economy.
The shrinking middle class, the shrinking American Dream
Tess Vigeland Nov 2, 2012
Why are so many people in the middle class struggling right now? Author Hedrick Smith discusses the events that hurt the middle class and what can be done to help it.
Rich and poor in San Diego speak out on wealth gap
Tom Fudge Oct 5, 2012
Residents of San Diego's wealthiest and poorest neighborhoods reflect on opportunity, responsibility and the American Dream.
Exploring the 'Beautiful Ruins' of the American Dream
Kai Ryssdal Aug 17, 2012
In his new book, novelist Jess Walter crosses the globe and four decades, digging into the American Dream and what it means to succeed -- and fail -- in love and work.
Economic mobility tracked state by state
Shereen Marisol Meraji May 10, 2012
Moving up is more likely in some states; education levels may make a difference.
Is the American Dream really disappearing?
Steve Chiotakis Dec 8, 2011
We asked Gallup's editor-in-chief Frank Newport about whether Americans are pessimistic about the future, and how that compares to Americans of decades past.
