Middleclass

The middle class is a broad social group between the working class and the upper class. There is no universal definition; most theories use a mix of income, education, occupation, and consumption within a country. In practice, researchers describe the middle class as households that are not among the poorest and not among the wealthiest, with stable employment and some financial security.

Historically, the middle class expanded with industrialization in many Western economies, as professional, technical, and managerial jobs grew and education became wider. In other regions, a rising middle class has accompanied rapid economic growth, urbanization, and integration into global markets, though size and character vary greatly across countries.

Key indicators include income relative to the national median, educational attainment, occupational status, home ownership, and the ability to save and spend on nonessential goods. Researchers may use income shares, consumption patterns, or wealth. The category is fluid, changing as economies and demographics shift.

Debates about the middle class center on its size, cultural meaning, and political influence. Some analyses emphasize a middle-class squeeze—stagnant real wages despite rising costs—while others highlight improving living standards in growing economies. Global comparisons must account for different baselines and social structures.

In large, diverse countries, the middle class spans varied lifestyles and regions. In developing economies, defining it by consumption can overstate buying power, whereas in advanced economies, income stability and assets are emphasized.