The problem of inequality is mostly a local thing where gentrification is taking progress, or on a wider scale, a media debate. No one seriously feels inadequate because of how the people on Forbes 500 live. They are so far out of the average person sphere that it has no significance on anyone.
Likewise, I doubt a person from Mississippi genuinely feels a disparty with his investment banking brethren in NYC.
In short, I don't think inequality is something people feel unless there's an ongoing public debate. People judge themselves by their immediate environment, which I believe follows a normal distribution nearly anywhere (there are always some more successful than others; business owners, entrepreneurs, paid workers and homeless. It's like that nearly anywhere).
It's should be also noted that while nationwide inequality among western world countries is rising (all across the board), it's shrinking on a global level [1].
Sadly, the big problem with inequality is not "feelings of inadequacy". The problem is that wealth buys power and influence, both socially and politically. Thus increasing inequality means political power is increasingly concentrated in the hands of a few; and that usually leads to policies that will enhance and protect the lives of those few at the expense of everyone else.
Likewise, I doubt a person from Mississippi genuinely feels a disparty with his investment banking brethren in NYC.
In short, I don't think inequality is something people feel unless there's an ongoing public debate. People judge themselves by their immediate environment, which I believe follows a normal distribution nearly anywhere (there are always some more successful than others; business owners, entrepreneurs, paid workers and homeless. It's like that nearly anywhere).
It's should be also noted that while nationwide inequality among western world countries is rising (all across the board), it's shrinking on a global level [1].
[1] http://i.imgur.com/B4vI8Y8.png