Largely, overly aggressive (shareholder) profit maximalization. Productivity shot up but wages didn't follow. The only two countries I know that have a working work-life balance are France and Spain. The French are raising their voices and protesting for every little thing and it works. 6 weeks of holiday per year and 62 years of retirement age. Still, a middle class person can afford to drive a new car and many families have 2-3 properties just from their work income.