"Presents facts and factors that contribute to economic opportunity, looking at how poor, middle class, and rich have fared in recent decades. Proposes a cost-effective agenda for increasing opportunity, consistent with American values, and focuses on improving lives of the young and disadvantaged, emphasizing individual responsibility as indispensable for success"--Provided by publisher.

Our vision --Public values and attitudes -- The changing fortunes of the rich, the poor, and the middle class -- Opportunity in the United States -- Why family background matters -- Perspectives on poverty -- Middle-class complaints -- Expanding educational opportunity -- Supporting and encouraging work -- Strengthening families -- Paying the bills -- Appendixes -- A. Grants, loans, and tax provisions for postsecondary students -- B. The Bush marriage initiative