Conflict Between Rich, Poor Strongest in 24 Years A new survey shows tensions between the rich and poor increasing and at their most intense level in nearly a quarter-century. Americans now see more social conflict over wealth inequality than over hot-button topics of immigration, race relations and age. The poll by the Pew Research Center shows about 3 in 10 Americans said there are "very strong" conflicts between the rich and poor. That is double the share that believed so in July 2009 and the largest proportion in 24 years. In all, about 66 percent now say there are "very strong" or "strong" conflicts between the top and bottom income groups.