We asked people whether life in America is better or worse than it was 50 years go.
Here's what they said.
Indrahit from CA
Life is more stressful. Job security is worse. Healthcare is more costly and very complex. While we are earning more, somehow it feels like we are spending a lot more for housing, food, utilities, education and healthcare - all basic necessities.
WorseLinda from FL
Social security has not kept up with inflation. Also as a woman I earned less than a man resulting in lower benefits. Perhaps American business should supplement woman’s social security benefits to make up for woman being underpaid by them.
WorseSam from WA
"There have been an enormous number of medical discoveries that have improved my life compared to my father's who died suddenly of a heart attack at age 47. On the other hand, we now have 8 billion people and the richest countries have caused the climate to change over the past 50 years. "
BetterKristine from MI
While certainly there have been some beneficial social legislation changes (ADA, environmental protection, minority and women's rights, LGBTQA+) , there is much needed progress to be made . Keeping in mind that 50 years ago, I was just beginning college and have just recently retired
WorseLucy from NH
Right now there's so much uncertainty about what is going to happen to social security, Medicare, the housing market,etc. I believe 50 years ago things were relatively stable. People didn't worry about lunatics running for president and possibly winning the election! Ugh.
WorseCorrine from CA
I’m a woman and part of the LGBTQ+ community. I have more opportunities and there’s more cultural acceptance of my identity. I am white and middle class, though, so if this was about finances I’d say worse.
BetterSharon from CA
50 years ago, I was 23 years old. Of all the important issues we faced then and still today, we do need a healthy planet to exist on in order to resolve those issues. The health of our planet should be our first priority. Thanks for asking.
WorseDavid from PA
The cost of living keeps going up. I'm on a meager fixed income. There are many things I can't afford. Not much is left after I pay all of my bills. We need Medicare for All and to strengthen Social Security, Thank you for all you do.
WorseWillow from NY
Corporations and the rich are causing climate change at catastrophic levels, corporations run the government and sacrifice our quality of life for their profit. There’s no real chance to significantly improve your life and I’m not even sure how much longer the planet will be habitable.
WorseBrooke from IN
It largely depends on what group you belong to and what topic... abortion is worse than 50 years ago, but the gender wage gap has improved... overall, I believe the quality of life has improved, but that doesn't mean we don't still have issues that need improvement.
BetterLinda from FL
Social security has not kept up with inflation. Also as a woman I earned less than a man resulting in lower benefits. Perhaps American business should supplement woman’s social security benefits to make up for woman being underpaid by them.
WorseTiffany from AL
Gay marriage & transgender-affirming care are both legalized in various states, as well as being normalized talking points instead of mostly "taboo" subjects/frowned upon like they were in the 1990's.
BetterWe recently sent out an email asking a simple question. Do you think life in America is better today than it was 50 years ago?
The response was rather extraordinary. As of today we have received almost 10,000 written responses – almost all of them very thoughtful. 78% of respondents said things have gotten worse while 22% said things are better.
It is clear that this issue is very much on the minds of progressives and, I suspect, most Americans. As a nation are we going forwards or backwards? What are the pluses and minuses of modern society? Is life better today than it was 50 years ago?
Here is a cross-section of some of the responses we received. I hope you’ll read them and get a sense as to what people around the country are thinking.
Despite healthcare advances, costs are too much for most people, and care is often inadequate.
Bonita from MN
I'm on a fixed income and taxes, health insurance, food, insurances just keep going up. I feel unlistened to at my doctor's because I've seemed to have aged out of any kind of help. I make $100.00/month to qualify for any kinds of assistance.
WorseCost of living is too high, salaries are too low, and many people struggle to afford basic necessities like rent and groceries.
Rena from WA
Salaries for "people like me" have remained stagnant for 50 years while cost of living has skyrocketed year after year, decade after decade. I was richer at 17 working a part time job than I am today at 59. It's disgraceful and disgusting.
WorsePeople believe that climate change is a major issue that's not being adequately addressed.
Amrita from MO
"I'm looking at the world around me, not just at my own living situation --and the pressing needs of ending the climate crisis, building peace and social justice, and ending nuclear arms, make this era perhaps the worst era ever in human history. Hopefully the darkest night is just before the dawn."
WorseProgress has been made with women's rights over the last 50 years, but many are concerned over recent trends.
Donna from IL
Women have more opportunities for higher education and career. However, I will not go back to the 1950s! Fortunately, I live in Illinois where women's reproductive rights are safe.
BetterSocial Security and Medicare continue to support many, but some are concerned about the future of these programs.
Eve from WV
I am a retired professor and my home is modest and paid off. As a boomer, social security makes me able to put a little into savings each month. That is not the case for the next generation.
BetterLGBTQ+ rights have improved tremendously, but many are concerned that things are getting worse.
KJ from CA
For LGBTQI folks, 50 yrs ago I would never have dreamed that I could legally my truelove. We did get married and loved each other for 43 years until she passed almost three years ago.
BetterThank you for reading. This is an important discussion that I look forward to continuing.
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