Biweekly Public Opinion Roundup: Economic Opportunity, Human Rights, and the Role of Government

A recent NBC/Wall Street Journal survey finds that Americans are showing less pessimism about the direction of the country, and that a fundamental element that contributes to confidence in the country is economic opportunity. Additional research finds that economic opportunity and mobility is so important that a large majority believes that ensuring economic opportunity should be considered a human right.  The American public believes firmly that hard work should allow them to move forward, and embraces the concept of human rights for all, including the right to equal opportunities, freedom from discrimination, and freedom from poverty.  Americans increasingly acknowledge that circumstances beyond an individual’s control often hinder their prospects for self-determination, and believe that the government has some work to do to ensure human rights for everyone in the United States. Americans value human rights because of an appreciation for treating individuals with dignity and fairness and a belief that respecting human rights contributes to a better society for all.  To read more, see this month's Public Opinion Monthly.