I’m saying that historically the middle class was made up of middle income earners. Like Cops/nurses/teachers/firefighters. I’m not trying to deny anyone the incentive or drive to work harder and earn more. I’m not sure why you suggest that.
So by definition, middle class is the “middle” – or some range around that median income. Not the top 10% of earners.
You said that no-one says $250k is middle class. The OP of this thread claimed just that.
Waiting for bottom said: $250K in the Bay area or San Diego is middle class. It is not the same as making $250K in Kansas. Feinstein has a responsibility to her constituency to back us up on this.
My point is – people have choices. You can live somewhere else and live a grander lifestyle on a smaller income – but perhaps be further from family, the beach, the good weather. Or you can live in San Diego, perhaps for job reasons, family, etc… but it is a choice. And your income won’t go as far.
Here in CA, by any cold analysis of income medians, averages, etc, $250k is NOT middle class. I agree it’s not “uber-rich” – but why not be proud of the fact that it IS upper class.
Another post mentioned earlier generations who had large families in smaller houses. My husband was one of six kids and lived in a row house in Philly – about 1200 sf. They were middle class by every definition – their combined income was about median for their area.
I’m not sure when those of us who are fortunate enough to be doing significantly better than middle class stopped appreciating it. I’m really grateful that my degree in engineering, my husband’s degree in architecture, and frugal lifestyle let us live a very comfortable life. But I don’t call myself middle class. And neither would the IRS.
