In his book "The Price of Inequality," Joseph E. Stiglitz emphasizes the importance of the infrastructure that has been built over generations in the United States. He argues that this physical and institutional framework is a collective product of society's efforts, highlighting that all Americans enjoy the benefits it provides. This infrastructure not only supports economic activities but also promotes social cohesion and accessibility.

Stiglitz points out that the growing inequality threatens this infrastructure, which has historically united different segments of society. He stresses that as resources become concentrated in the hands of a few, the overall well-being of the nation is jeopardized, which undermines the shared values and advantages that infrastructure offers to everyone.