What do ordinary Americans make of the vast sums paid to CEOs, media anchors, sports stars, and Hollywood entertainers? Are they more sensitive than in the past to disparities in income and wealth?

Using the data from surveys of public opinion polls, the authors examine attitudes toward wealth. They look at general public satisfaction with material well-being. Central to this inquiry are beliefs about opportunity. Do Americans think it exists-for themselves, for their children? What is the status of the American dream? Finally, the authors look at what people want government to do about inequality.