The 2017 Index of Culture and Opportunity: The Social and Economic Trends that Shape America

Summary: “The problems of culture and opportunity demand smarter and better policy at all levels of government, participation of civic institutions, and energetic private-sector players,” writes J.D. Vance in the Introduction to the 2017 Index of Culture and Opportunity. “[B]ut asking the right questions is a necessary first step.” Asking the right questions about the cultural and economic factors shaping opportunity in America is what The Heritage Foundation’s Index of Culture and Opportunity aims to do. The Index tracks national data on key indicators and pairs it with expert commentary from think tank researchers, academics, journalists, and practitioners. Their insights shed light on the factors that are helping to advance – or to hinder – opportunity in America. Join us to hear from several of this year’s contributors at the release of the 2017 Index of Culture and Opportunity.