Cultures are never set in stone. Sometimes the changes are slow as
key elements in societies evolve. Other times, the reactions to
circumstances are rapid and quite radical. When these changes will be
apparent is not predictable. If we go back to 2007, America was full of
confidence. It seemed like the economy was strong and we would continue
to accumulate wealth both at an individual level and as a country. Then
banks collapse and have to be bailed out, and the housing bubble bursts
leaving tens of thousands still underwater with their mortgages now.
Although economists who count the value of imports and exports will tell
you the trade deficit is getting back under control and the local
economy is no longer in recession, it doesn't feel as though the country
is recovering. Houses are still going through foreclosure, unemployment
has been about 8% for the last five years.
The group most adversely affected has been the young. They have
struggled to find or keep work. Many were encouraged to go through the
higher education route and now have major debts weighing them down.
Banks no longer give money away whether as mortgages or as loans to buy
new things for the home. Indeed, everyone is finding it hard to keep a
good credit score. In such circumstances of uncertainty, it's hardly
surprising the young have turned away from the idea of ownership. They
don't have the savings to buy. They have no confidence they will keep
paid employment so taking out any big loan is not realistic. So now they
borrow what they need from friends. If friends cannot help, they rent
what they need for as long as they need it.
With young adults renting by the hour there has been a boom in the cheap car rental market.
Indeed, this is part of a broader social trend. Women rent high-fashion
gowns for a night. The majority have given up material pursuits and no
longer build wealth for the future. This is going to have profound
implications for a future society with inadequate tax income to care for
the seniors while the current adult population is not saving for its
own retirement. In the meantime, everyone drives around using cheap car rental cars.