Tom, simply put, the separation of the classes is widening. As I understand the topic (could misunderstand the whole bit) is that a s o c i a l i s t society is a separation of the classes (rich stay rich poor stay poor). Though we are not yet there, we are headed that way. There are organizations and groups that are endeavoring to fight that, but it is still happening. I think the slums in the major American cities are a good testament to it. Crime rate is high there because the people feel trapped, feel they can't get ahead. This may be the case, it may not. However it is how those people feel. There are exceptions to this, and is what feeds the American Dream.

My understanding of Marx and Mao is that their society is communist based, not s o c i a l i s t. Though I could have the differences all mixed up, and don't mind a lesson if I do.