Middle-Class

Since "middle-class" is a vague term that means different things to different people, I try not to attach a fixed meaning to the term.

Class consciousness or awareness can be a help in understanding political motivations. Here in the US, class consciousness is not talked about much by mainstream media.

But what about the working poor?

 

I think that here,the working class and the middle class are considered the same. To me,anyway. They are the ones that predominately do all the work,whether it be office or outdoors. Was I working/middle class when I made 10,000 a year or was it when I made 120,000 per year?

The "upper class" is that group that make their money off the labor of the working/middle class..

 

That's interesting that it seems you attach culture and intelligence to being 'middle-class'.

 

I definitely think FlyingFly has a point, but there is also a certain amount of people who fit that category but would consider themselves 'working-class' - simply because of the stigma it might bring - 'working-class' or 'poor' people they may have grew up with etc. Also, perhaps, they follow their parents, and if they were 'working-class' they stick to that, even if you aren't really.

I've read it's just over 50%. Which if you take the median wage and the max politicians seem to have decided is still Middle-class: $250.000 - then it probably does include the vast majority of people.

: /

 

I don't think that "everything is a conspiracy", but I agree with your comment that wealth is often exaggerated, so that people can be milked by certain groups. And that the Media has a big agenda.

I think the US and GB have seen big std of living cuts vs emerging countries.
This is escpecially true of younger people, and the over 55s who cant find work.

The label middle class isnt based on income. Its a misdescription based on debt based living, educational attainment and better quality of life thro technology NOT from growing wealth.

Even the technology" improvements" have had negative effects- people will soon have to work til they are older. Many skilled people can only find unskilled work. Globalism has caused the west to suffer. And things such as fresh, uncontaminated organic foods, are becoming more expensive.

So it would be interesting to see how many people today are "middle class" according to various definitions...

 

In the US, Middle Class ultimately boils down to this;

1. You are a homeowner

and

2. You expect your kids to go to college.

 

In Britain, many parents have a "lifetime mortgage" ie dont actually own the house.

AND most kids go to college, get debts, and then a shit, non-graduate job.

Its funny how definitions get stretched to justify middle class numbers...

 

I started my post "In the US..."