In theory, civilization should prosper with commerce. But as companies acquire more resources, global citizens are getting left behind. In 2017, 82 percent of newly generated wealth went to the richest one percent of the global population, according to Oxfam.
Examine patterns at the country level, and you’ll see some surprising trends. In the United States, corporate profits are soaring. But benefits aren’t trickling down to worker and pay is stagnant. Corporate conglomerates, struggling to stay afloat are shutting down stores and initiating mass layoffs to keep their businesses afloat. People are losing their jobs, dealing with unmanageable student debt loads, unable to afford housing and realizing that—thanks to inflation—their hard-earned dollars are capable of purchasing less.
