There is already a substantial inequality in consumption across different income bands. E.g., 2018 data shows that the "Bottom 40% of US income distribution acc

There is already a substantial inequality in consumption across different income bands. E.g., 2018 data shows that the "Bottom 40% of US income distribution account for no more than 22% of total consumption. Top 20% account for almost 40%." [0] I could see the capitalistic economy continuing to function despite a shrinking middle class if this consumption inequality grows. Going with the jeans example, the 500 middle class families buying 5,000 pairs of jeans at $40 each ($200,000 total) may be replaced by 50 upper middle class families buying 1,000 pairs of jeans at $200 a pair. I'm certainly not endorsing nor condoning such growing inequalities. [0] https://twitter.com/adam_tooze/status/1308013103855087618 https://twitter.com/adam_tooze/status/1308013103855087618