The Middle Class: How We Got One and Why We Need to Keep it

Abstract

While most Americans see themselves as middle class, the notion of the middle class both defines and is defined by America. The US was the first country where a large middle class emerged and where blue collar workers, at least in some industries, enjoyed middle class lifestyles. American workers were the first to join the middle class if not in reality than certainly through their aspirations. By the middle of the 20th century, while many European countries had working class political movements, our politics, even our labor unions were framed by middle class politics and values.