The American Dream has given way to the ‘Great Postponement,’ an Ivy League professor says, where achieving doesn’t rely on hard work anymore

An Ivy League professor argues the American Dream is being replaced by the 'Great Postponement,' where milestones like homeownership, marriage, and childbearing are delayed due to rising housing costs and economic pressures. Data shows 25.2 million adults under 35 still live with parents in 2025, and median ages for marriage and first births have increased significantly since 1975.