In the mid-1980s, the United States was identified as the most unequal among advanced industrial nations, a status it has maintained into the present day. This disparity has broadened over the years, while other countries like France and Hungary have not experienced significant changes in inequality, and nations such as Turkey and Greece have even seen reductions. The increasing inequality in the U.S. is alarming, as it approaches levels characteristic of dysfunctional societies.

This trend towards greater inequality raises concerns about the social and economic stability of the nation. As the gap widens, the United States risks joining a list of countries known for severe inequality, including Iran and Uganda. The implications of such inequality can undermine societal cohesion and jeopardize future prospects. Joseph E. Stiglitz’s book, "The Price of Inequality," underscores the dangers of this ongoing divide, calling attention to how it threatens our society.