keskiluokka

Keskiluokka, literally “middle class” in Finnish, refers to the broad social group situated between the working class and the upper class. Definitions vary by country and study, but in general keskiluokka includes households with moderate to comfortable income, relative educational attainment, and stable employment. Members often participate in professional, administrative, or skilled-trade occupations, own durable goods and housing, and have resources for savings and investment. Cultural capital and social networks also influence access to opportunities.

Definitions and measurement can combine income thresholds around the national median with education level and occupation. In Finland, as in other Nordic countries, the middle class is closely linked to education, secure employment in public or private sectors, home ownership, and participation in consumer life and civic activities.

Characteristics commonly associated with the keskiluokka include a relatively high standard of living, opportunities for social mobility, and involvement in education and child-rearing. They are often beneficiaries of public goods such as universal health care and affordable education, which help sustain economic stability and social cohesion.

Trends affecting the keskiluokka in many advanced economies include changes in wage growth, housing costs, and labor market structure due to automation and globalization. Public policy—such as progressive taxation, social protection, and accessible education—can influence the size and stability of the middle class, shaping social and economic dynamics over time.

See also: Social class, Finnish society, Income inequality, Welfare state, Class mobility