The New Hunger Games: How Wealth Inequality is Crushing the American Dream

Income and wealth inequality in America have reached staggering levels. The ratio of CEO-to-worker pay has ballooned from 21:1 in 1965 to an astonishing 351:1 in 2020. Meanwhile, the federal minimum wage remains at $7.25 an hour, despite productivity gains that suggest it should exceed $22.

This growing divide undermines the traditional American Dream, where hard work and talent could lead to upward mobility. Today, economic opportunity is increasingly determined by family background, with affluent children accessing elite education and networks unavailable to many others.

The consequences are profound: social mobility declines, family stability weakens, and economic insecurity rises. These trends fuel political polarization and social unrest, challenging the nation’s cohesion and democratic foundations.

Addressing these issues requires bold policy reforms and a recommitment to shared prosperity. This blog offers a comprehensive analysis of the forces driving inequality and potential paths toward a more just society.

For detailed data and perspectives, see the book’s extensive research and contemporary economic studies. 2 3