The national economy and the job market have been healthy for nearly a decade, at least for some Americans. Others, however, have missed out, remaining unemployed and have stopped looking for a position entirely.
Some research suggests that middle-aged white men who don’t have a college degree, in particular, find their situation is causing a lack of hope for their futures.
The figures also indicate, however, that low income African-Americans and Hispanics have greater levels of optimism than in previous eras.
Carol Graham, professor at the University of Maryland, studies this issue and wrote the book " Happiness for All?: Unequal Hopes and Lives in Pursuit of the American Dream." She joined The Show to talk about it.