This type of polarization has been going on in the United States for decades, and it is taking place in Europe too – with important consequences for society. Since the end of World War II, the middle class has provided the backbone of democracy, civil engagement, and stability; those who did not belong to the middle class could realistically aspire to join it, or even believe that they were part of it, when that was not the case.
这种类型的两极分化已经在美国持续了几十年，同时也在欧洲发生着——并对社会产生了重要的影响。自二战结束后，中产阶级逐渐成为民主、公民参与和稳定的中坚力量；中产阶级以外的人能够切实期望加入中产阶级，甚至误以为自己已经是中产阶级的一部分。随着就业市场的变化瓦解了中产阶级队伍，新的阶级斗争时代可能会被释放（如果现在还未被释放的话）。