"Shared pain" theory and topics

[u/LukaCola]

Hey folks

I've had a bit of a pet theory that shaped during the last US government shutdown, it felt to me like the shutdown ended fastest once flights were becoming particularly impacted. Flights and flight controller issues are something that regularly seem to make​ headlines and prompt rather quick reaction. My simple theory and assumed rationale is that this is one of the few public services used by the country's wealthy and elites. You can be as rich as you like, you still rely on flight controllers. That simple element, that shared pain point, demonstrates capacity for change and reactivity among otherwise pretty stolid groups who otherwise seem unwilling to take meaningful action until it impacts themselves.

I'm sure many have noticed that wealthy elites, by design, separate themselves throughout history from the general public--but this can usually only go so far, though things have naturally continued to separate with technological advances. As the decision makers and powerful continue to separate themselves, they become less responsive, aware, and receptive towards issues affecting the broader population or nation.

So I suppose my simple question is, is there a research term I can look into in order to better understand this phenomena? Maybe it just is self evi​dent, obviously policy is reflected by the interests and concerns (or lack thereof) of policy makers. I am far from the first to notice this. But I just don't know good terminology to look into, and who knows, I may be barking up the wrong tree. Part of me wonders how many governments have articulated a need to also keep decision makers abreast of common problems and vulnerable to the same forces that impact the poorer public. I am certain it has been a consideration, hell, even for the US--though it's been ages since I reviewed the federalist papers. ​​Just strikes me as interesting, so if you have insight into terms or data, please do share!