The elite always do inherit it. I see the gate community syndrome taking over. Already markets, petrol stations and the like supply better food, goods and such to the wealthier neighborhoods. Even the quality of fast food differs on locale and income demographics.

The future will see even more of this pandering and the establishment of wealthy zones with high police presence. The poor will multiply in numbers and eventually conflict will occur regularly between the two polarized extremes because of shortages in food, gas, healthcare and the staples of life.

Eventually a revolution occurs that overthrows the rich and then the elite will be the victors who grab the reins of power with an iron fist. Then anything can happen, another cycle of dictators, a series of revolutions, or the return of another fledgling democracy. However there will always be some form of "elite" calling the shots.

Time will tell.