From the responses we have received to this example and in our own experiences, we have observed that people who are concerned about the affect of wealth on children tend to value hard work and forward-thinking in young adults, and activities that require those characteristics.  In this way, they value decisions and effort that reflect the positive aspects of ambition and merit-based competition.

This sounds simple enough, but is it significant?  The actual ranking of the activities shown above indicates that:

¨  What constitutes “success” is not self-evident.  It may include achievement in various ways, not just financial success.

¨  “Success” is not necessarily the same thing as a “winning” effort.  It may be enough that the effort is being made.  This makes more sense if you acknowledge that actual success depends not only on effort, but also on natural ability and luck, factors which are beyond a person’s control.

¨  Activities that contribute to the betterment of our society are viewed favorably, but not by as much as might be expected.  Also, traditional professional careers are respected, but not exclusively.  Favorable views are expressed in connection with new kinds of careers and activities that offer the opportunity to experiment in a positive way.

All this leads us to suggest that, whatever their personal views, people should look more closely at what they actually mean by “success” when they consider the question of “affluenza” -- whether affluence adversely affects whether children will be “successful.”