Both, but probably more of the latter. Since the 70s the entire economy and society has been built for consumption and price optimization. That has resulted in

Both, but probably more of the latter. Since the 70s the entire economy and society has been built for consumption and price optimization. That has resulted in both higher life stresses (more two income working households, most Americans have no savings, etc.) and encouraged politicians to cut safety nets which might have diminished the negative effects.