This is enabled by the power dynamic of those without power or resources forced to endure the whims of those who do. The only way out is to lessen that gap, so that survival does not depend upon catering to those with more power. A universal basic income is one such step. But what we as writers can do is to follow in Hugo's footsteps, to show that all human beings have innate worth, that nobility of spirit has nothing to do with nobility of blood line, and that small acts can make huge differences.