The level of economic inequality has increased in most OECD countries within the last decades, including a number of European countries. In some countries, the economic crises increased these overall divides. In others it did not. But the problems caused by the financial sector and the severe unemployment that followed provide a window of opportunity for increased public awareness of the rising levels of economic inequality. The issue has indeed also been given attention in recent both political and academic debates. This session discusses how the broader public has reacted – and is likely to react - to increased levels of income inequalities. This is done by analyzing public perceptions about the rich, public perceptions about living in meritocratic middle class society, the level of conflict between classes and trust between citizens and between citizens and the state.