Abstract

Contents lists available at SciVerse ScienceDirect Journal of Vocational BehaviorAmericans ' faith in a prosperous future and their endorsement of the American dream is being increasingly challenged by a social system restricting this dream to a select few. Rising inequality (CBO, 2011) has all but muted any prospects of individuals from impoverished backgrounds attaining a higher status regardless of their merit (Silvia, Quinlan, & Seydl, 2011). Perhaps no other age group reflects this growing conflict better than young adults, who stand on the bridge between the socioeconomic