> the destruction of factory/manual work Decently paying factory/manual work. The hollowing out of manual work in many developed countries, replaced with bimo

> the destruction of factory/manual work Decently paying factory/manual work. The hollowing out of manual work in many developed countries, replaced with bimodal service jobs (either high-income or low-income), is definitely a contributing factor. "I can go out and find a decently paying job on the strength of my body, rather than what I've learned/trained" is no longer true in most developed economies. Economically arguably, that's a good thing. But it does leave a clear gap for people who don't want to / can't enter into the knowledge workforce. Couple this with labor devaluing (salary and respect) at the hyper-efficient consumer businesses that do remain and provide the only entry-level jobs in many areas, and it's no surprise you have many people checking out.