Books like Dream hoarders by Richard V. Reeves

Richard V. Reeves argues that America is becoming a class‑based society, with the upper middle class—those earning in the top 20%—separating from the rest of the population. Income, the primary metric in a market economy, shapes access to quality education, housing, health care and other essential services. Reeves shows that this growing divide is evident in families, neighborhoods, attitudes, and lifestyles, as upper‑middle‑class children increasingly become similar adults. The result is a fracturing society, reduced social mobility, and diminishing prospects for progressive policies. Formerly considered elite, the upper middle class practices “opportunity hoarding” through mechanisms such as zoning laws, selective schooling, occupational licensing, college admissions and internship allocations, thereby stifling competition and openness. While some inequality is inevitable, Reeves contends that effective policies can mitigate this hoarding, broaden opportunities, and restore greater equity within American society.

First publish date: 2017