StraightTalk 2025 | Bootstraps: Myths and Solutions to Economic Mobility

Pull yourself up by your bootstraps is a widely held belief encapsulating the American Dream: any American citizen, regardless of background, can achieve success through hard work and self-reliance. But, is it true today? Has it ever been?

Current studies consistently show that now, more than ever, the most significant predictor of an American child’s future income and wealth is the income and wealth of their family of origin. Children’s chances of earning more than their parents has fallen from 90 percent in 1940 to only 50 percent today. This series will examine factors and systems that make the cycle of poverty difficult to break and contribute to America’s increasing wealth gap and shrinking middle class. Speakers will discuss policies, efforts, and systemic changes needed to create pathways that can lead to upward economic mobility for all.

Learn more about the event and speakers on the Furman event page.

General public: $15 per session; $35 for the series. Registration required.

OLLI members: $10 per session; $25 for the series. Registration required. OLLI members, please direct any questions to [email protected].

Free for Furman students, staff, and faculty. Registration NOT required.

Host or Publisher The Riley Institute at Furman University