Drawing on more than 11 surveys conducted over more than a decade, this book investigates the relationship between personal characteristics and economic success among American males aged 25 to 64. Responding to the controversy that followed the publication of "Inequality: A Reassessment of the Effect of Family and Schooling in America," this book concentrates on the determinants of individual success within the existing economic system, not with the determinants of the level of inequality. Focus is on four kinds of personal characteristics: family background, cognitive skills, personality traits, and years of schooling. Chapters discuss: the methods of research used to gather information; the effects of family background, academic ability, noncognitive traits, education, and race on earnings; who gets ahead; individual earnings and family income; the realm of variance among the surveys; the effects of research style; and results of the comparison of this report to the inequality report that preceded it. It is concluded that schooling has the greatest influence on a person's eventual status or earnings. Tables and figures offer statistical data gathered in the research such as subsamples from the 11 surveys, comparison on income and background, and family effects on test scores. Notes on each chapter are offered in conclusion along with an extensive bibliography and index. (LC)