15160. AIN'T NO MAKIN' IT (MACLEOD): AMBITION AND SOCIAL STATUS IN AMERICA. MacLeod's study is concerned with the impact of socioeconomic status (SES) on educational and vocational aspirations. This paper discusses MacLeod's views on how young people of low SES either accept or reject the dominant "achievement ideology," and on how "mediating variables" are needed for them to overcome structural constraints. Other studies and opinions regarding this issue are also referred to. 10 pages, 22 footnotes, 6 bibliographic references.