Potential for social unrest from "summary" of The New Class Conflict by Joel Kotkin
The potential for social unrest lies in the growing divide between the entrenched elites and the struggling middle and working classes. This gap has widened due to the concentration of wealth and power in the hands of a few, while the majority of people see their economic prospects diminishing. The new class structure, characterized by a technocratic elite and a precariat class, has created a sense of alienation and frustration among those who feel left behind. The technocratic elite, consisting of professionals, financiers, and technologists, have amassed wealth and influence through their expertise and connections. They control the levers of power in government, business, and academia, shaping the policies and decisions that affect the rest of society. On the other hand, the precariat class, made up of contingent workers, service industry employees, and gig economy workers, struggle to make ends meet in an economy that offers little stability or security. The disconnect between the elite and the precariat has led to a sense of resentment and disillusionment among the working and middle classes. They see the elite as out of touch with their concerns and indifferent to their struggles. This sense of alienation is exacerbated by the cultural divide between the cosmopolitan, progressive values of the elite and the more traditional, conservative values of many in the working and middle classes. As the gap between the haves and have-nots continues to widen, the potential for social unrest grows. The disaffected majority may express their frustration through protests, strikes, or other forms of collective action. The rise of populist movements and leaders around the world is a manifestation of this discontent, as people seek alternatives to the status quo that has failed to address their needs. If the divisions between the elite and the rest of society are not addressed, the potential for social unrest will only increase. It is imperative for policymakers, business leaders, and other decision-makers to recognize the growing discontent and work towards creating a more inclusive and equitable society. Otherwise, the consequences of this new class conflict could be dire for everyone involved.
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