Just what is "middle class"?

[Dave A]

Reading a story about America's new poor got me wondering "What is middle class exactly?"

According to the writer:

In the midterm elections politicians have promised to "do something" for the middle class. The kindest thing they could do is tell the truth: Americans have been living a middle-class lifestyle on working-class wages -- and bridging the gap with credit. And it's over.

In a free-market society the real middle class is always a minority: if your street has a gate and a security camera at the end of it then you are middle class. A real middle-class kid can afford a college education, not a web-based degree. The real middle-class family does not skip meals or find its cars trapped in the repair shop because of unpaid bills.

I don't know so much. Even that middle class still has its moments when the bills aren't paid and it's a struggle to put food on the table. Maybe it's that distinction that seperates the middle class from the truly rich?

Of course many years ago "middle class" was an occupation, being self-employed, an employer or something along those lines. Has the meaning of middle class changed since?

Maybe "middle class" has come to mean a lifestyle? All the kitchen appliances, entertainment systems, lounge, diningroom... perhaps a seperate bedroom for each kid.

And what's the line between "middle class" and "working class" really? Especially if you move away from the parameters of occupation?

Don't know for sure

What do you think?