WBEZ 91.5 Chicago

 Robert Fairbanks is an Assistant Professor at the School of Social Service at the University of Chicago where he teaches courses on urban poverty, the political economy of urban development, and the history and philosophy of the welfare state.He and Afternoon Shift host Rick Koga

A thin resume, lack of education, felony record and tough neighborhood with few jobs are all stacked up against one Englewood man.

Afternoon Shift Host Rick Kogan and Maurice Lim Miller, the CEO of the Family Independence Initiative in Oakland talked about how focusing on the strength of individuals in poor communities like Orlando's is key to diminishing poverty.

Orlando was born and raised in West Englewood on Chicago's South Side. One of the most devastating factors of economic mobility is where you live. Without quality education, good jobs and solid social connections, your chances at moving up the economic ladder are few and far between.

Christine Kovic is an associate professor of Anthropology at the University of Houston-Clear Lake.Christine Kovic joined Afternoon Shift Host Rick Kogan to talk about the Central American immigrants who get caught up in Mexico on their way to achieving the American Dream.

Get caught up on the major factors influencing economic mobility with just one look this sharp infographic. 

A Mexican immigrant working in Milwaukee quickly learns the shortfalls of the American Dream amid labor disputes.