How much of the nation's wealth did the bottom 80% own in 2007?

In 2007, the bottom 80% of Americans owned approximately 15% of the nation's wealth. This statistic highlights the significant wealth disparity that existed in the United States prior to the Great Recession, where the richest individuals held a disproportionate amount of wealth in comparison to the majority of the population.

The wealth distribution reflects economic inequality trends, whereby a small percentage of the population controls the majority of wealth, leaving a larger segment with much less. Understanding this context is vital, as it illustrates how economic policies and growth can benefit wealth concentrations in society, often at the expense of broader middle and lower-income groups.

The option indicating that the bottom 80% owned just 15% of the wealth depicts a critical aspect of discussions around income inequality, social justice, and economic reform in the late 20th and early 21st centuries.