Nov 01 2008
Facing Up to Downward Mobility
The American middle class has been experiencing downward mobility for some time, but it’s been somewhat disguised. The slow creep upward of goods and services has almost, but not quite, been matched by pay increases. Overall, the value of income has been going down fairly steadily, but now, with a sharp rise in prices, mortgage foreclosures and job losses, the truth is hard to miss. The American dream: steady upward mobility, a home of your own, sending the kids to college, and the hope that they will do better than their parents, has exploded into dust.
The effect on many people is what psychologists call cognitive dissonance.
“This is the feeling of uncomfortable tension which comes from holding two conflicting thoughts in the mind at the same time.
Dissonance increases with:
• The importance of the subject to us.
• How strongly the dissonant thoughts conflict.
• Our inability to rationalize and explain away the conflict.”
Changing Minds
When you can’t let go of old beliefs and standards or face the need to change your perspective and your lifestyle, the conflict between those beliefs and the current reality can be stressful. Some people cope as best they can by denial. But sticking your head in the sand doesn’t work any better now than it ever did, and it just delays the inevitable necessity of figuring out how to adjust to a new reality.
There may be some comfort in looking around and seeing that most people are in the same boat, but there is also resentment and indignation. “Why did this happen to me? Why should I have to give up so much of what I’ve worked hard for?” Those feelings are natural, but they can get in the way of examining your values and needs, and making changes that can minimize the negative side of lower expectations. It’s a hard blow when your hopes and dreams prove the truth of the old adage: what goes up must come down. Your future depends on how you deal with it.
3 Responses to “Facing Up to Downward Mobility”
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My life has been going steadily downhill for some time now, because I was relying on corporate America to pull me through. I finally got sick of it…sick of being abused by customers, then further abused by bosses who wanted me to suck it up for the sake of sales. I’m doing what I love now, and while I’m not making mega bucks from it, still, I’m happier and healthier than I’ve ever been. I don’t go to sleep and wake up crying anymore, thinking of having to go to a job I hate. I know things will get better for me.
We need a revolution in this country! I’m from the state that started the first Civil War, and while I don’t want another Civil War, I’d surely like to see some insurrection! Too many people have become too complacent, and I’m hoping this latest economic catastrophe has waked some of them up.
I’d love to hear more about your “Apartment Homesteading”, btw.
You’re right about the need for revolution. But I think it has to be a revolution in thinking. That’s why I started this blog. If enough people made personal changes, then government and industry would eventually have to follow along. At least that’s my theory. :-)
And speaking of thinking — reading your blog got me to thinking more seriously about apartment homesteading. It’s a good idea to develop and write about. Much thanks.