[quote=DWCAP]
Maybe the other three could tell me how they define the different distinctions? What is ‘middle class’?[/quote]
This is an interesting question… one I’ve been googling (during code build times) over the course of the day.
Polls taken show that more than 90% of people put themselves in the middle class. Only 2% define themselves as upper class. So – pretty much everyone not on public assistance considers themselves middle class. People at the poverty line call themselves middle class.
And I guess another issue is the term “class”… there are some definitions of middle class that have less to do with income and more with education/job type…
One of the definitions I saw was something like this:
* working class – less educated working people. Could have high income (talk to your mechanic or plumber!) AKA blue collar workers.
* middle class – educated working people. AKA white collar workers.
* upper class – those who don’t have to work for a living.
But the original post phrased it in terms of income… and since that’s data I can look up, I did just that.
I know, growing up, my engineer dad and stay at home mom (till I was in jr high) considered themselves upper middle class. We didn’t have luxuries – but my dad was a saver – so he probably could have afforded them – but chose not to in order to save for retirement.
I had an eye opening when I got my first job at an insurance company – women who were less educated, who’s minimum wage income was absolutely needed to support their family. (A lot of military spouses). I saw the struggle to make the rent for their family. It made me appreciate growing up free from that stress.
Today – I’d put myself in upper middle class. 2 years ago (better economy, better income) we were upper class by my definition above… not so much this past year or current but we’re still upper middle.
We do not have the end of the paycheck stress. You know the panic, when you pay the bills trying to figure out which one to pay late because there’s not enough paycheck to cover the expenses. We have enough money to save for retirement. Part of this is because we’re frugal (cheap!)… kids clothes are hand me downs or come from target – not Gymbo or Gap… We have a nice house we can comfortably afford, but not a McMansion. My husbands truck is 15 years old, mine is 5 years old, both are paid for and will be driven till they fall apart. The kids don’t get every toy they ask for (or even 1/10th). We don’t have hired help (no garden service, maid service, etc.) But we are without financial stress and can make our bills and save. That’s why I’m comfortable saying we’re upper middle class.
