I think, the driving force behind all that is materialism.
We all contributed with how life had gotten to the point we are now. It didn't happen overnight, either.
We have to live within our means. And, we have to find contentment in it.
Though we can aspire for a better income, it shouldn't be the center of our life.
What people want most I think (I speak for myself) - and my hubby and I had already achieved it, and are living in it - is having that inner peace even at a time like this. Because, we had put our trust in God. That's the secret, imho. GOD.