In a nation that has been deeply impacted by a lingering financial crisis — where home prices have plummeted and job gains have yet to take hold — the long-held view of realizing a prosperous American Dream is no longer a monolithic, singular concept. In its place, a new American Dreams is emerging, one that focuses more on achieving personal fulfillment over financial success.

The 2011 MetLife Study of the American Dream reflects an uncertain era where Americans no longer seek to become wealthy; rather, they want to achieve a sense of financial security that allows them to live a sustainable lifestyle.

This has led to new thinking about what the American Dream means, and to a portrayal of Americans as resilient and adaptive. And while achieving the Dream remains important — particularly to younger Americans — how it is achieved has changed.