Is it too jaded to say that it most likely has always been, for all time? And that we are simply more aware of it these days?
Back in the day, robber-barons simply exploited the working class through substandard working conditions, and outright theft of money or property [citation needed].
Now, though, you need a deep understanding of global monetary policy, tax law, and labor laws to be able to connect the dots.
So I would argue that now is different from earlier times in history, because those who are exploiting the system have finally figured out how to a) hide it well enough, and b) co-op members of the classes being exploited to fight for those doing the exploiting through misdirection and propaganda.
Source: I talk politics with family all the time; I'm vilified as the weirdo, brainwashed, college liberal in a family of conservatives.