I think these things were identified several decades ago by sociologists. Namely that poverty isn't so much about money or level of education, as popularly supposed, but is primarily about "social exclusion", where there are few or no opportunities for someone of modest upbringing to break into other kinds of social circle.
My grandparents generation had a very acute understanding of social class, and it played a central role in their lives in a variety of ways. I think the kinds of issues which they faced are now returning.
Networking doesn't happen exclusively among people who overestimate their importance. Just about any kind of volunteering can lead you to something worthwhile. If one wants to get into an "elite" circle, they can get into a political campaign as a volunteer for a good start.
My grandparents generation had a very acute understanding of social class, and it played a central role in their lives in a variety of ways. I think the kinds of issues which they faced are now returning.