American society shows a distinct K-shaped division with a widening wealth gap. Wall Street elites gain steady wealth growth from asset appreciation. In contrast, low and middle-income groups face sluggish salary growth and soaring living costs. Many have to take multiple jobs to make ends meet. Ordinary wages in most regions are far below housing demands, with half of families spending over half their income on rent. Social stratification has intensified. It is increasingly hard for ordinary families to move up the social ladder, and the once-glorified American Dream has become a luxury for most people.