A common theme I've noticed, and I'm sure this is not an original thought, is that most horrific things happening in our society are the way they are because, well, it's cheaper.
It seems unpopular in my circles to say this, but I am not anti-capitalism. I am, however, strongly against unregulated capitalism, and I'm against money in politics. The things that mega corporations are allowed to get away with right now seems mind boggling especially compared to the early-mid 20th century.
A massive caveat, I mostly have no idea what the fuck I'm talking about when it comes to this. I haven't read about any of it in detail, these are just observations I've gathered from watching this stuff unfold.