For reference, here's a study that was recently conducted that compares Americans' perception of the wealth distribution against the actual wealth distribution. Surprisingly, participants of all stripes badly estimated the current distribution and proffered an "ideal" distribution even more out of whack with reality.

Before clicking, take your guess. What percent of total American wealth does the top quintile control?

Summary: http://danariely.com/2010/09/30/wealth-inequality/

Paper: http://www.people.hbs.edu/mnorton/norton%20ariely%20in%20pre...