A major new study called 'Weaving the Dream' surveyed over 60,000 Americans and found something surprising: most people across all backgrounds share the same basic beliefs about freedom and responsibility. The study, done by More in Common, shows that Americans believe in 'morally directed agency' - the idea that people should have the freedom to improve their own lives while also helping their communities. This means Americans don't see personal success and helping others as opposite things.
Instead, they want both individual opportunity and a fair society for everyone. The research included people from different races, income levels, and political parties, but they all shared this same vision. The study found that when talking about making society better, leaders should focus on both personal empowerment and fixing unfair systems.
This research supports The Change Lab's work to bring people together across political divides by focusing on shared values like belonging, personal responsibility, and working together for the common good. The findings show there's more unity among Americans than the news often suggests.