The divide between literature/arts and STEM feels related to a push in modern culture that every moment must be productive (or in some sense profitable), though I have a hard time unpicking whether things really did used to be “better” or this is just getting older and realizing how the world works.
When college, medical and housing are as expensive as they are in the US, is it a surprise that people want to do everything in their power to avoid becoming destitute? There is no obvious path to middle class prosperity with a degree in English, but you'd almost have to try to not reach a comfortable living as a programmer.