Do you think this is in any way generational at this point? I keep seeing articles about how millennials are not following the same market norms their parents did, such as home and car ownership. I also see people arguing that the only reason millennials aren't buying all the things they're "supposed to" is because they inherited a shit economy that doesn't afford them the same luxuries previous generations enjoyed.
Another thing I think about is the idea of moving away from the city because it's okay to work there, but you wouldn't want to live there, otherwise known as white flight. Do those people realize that if they all just lived closer to where they worked, that they would make up their neighborhood just the same? And if they do insist on living in the suburbs, why isn't carpooling obvious? Everybody is headed to the same place, but for some reason they all have to be in control of their own individual vehicle with 3 empty seats. It's madness.
There is probably a generational shift, but I work with a bunch of millennials who are drinking the same kool-aide our parents drank. As I head deeper into my thirties I see all those non-conventional, non-conformists settling into these patterns. I am no exception in a lot of ways.
I see all these articles panicking about slow economic growth, consumerism declining, obsession with thinks like organics and experiences over cheap things, etc etc. The paradoxical spoiled millennials who don't want enough stuff.
I like that this discourse is happening, by the time the millennials are grandparents I hope these consumerist values are as antiquated as buckles on your hat.