Lower Middle Class Flashcards, test questions and answers
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What is Lower Middle Class?
The lower middle class is a socioeconomic group that consists of individuals and families who are neither upper-class nor working-class, but have a higher standard of living than those in the working class. Lower middle-class individuals and families typically make up the majority of society and are often referred to as the backbone of the country.Lower middle-class individuals tend to have jobs that require an education beyond high school, such as college or vocational training. They may work in professions such as teachers, salespeople, legal secretaries, mechanics or office workers. They typically make enough money to cover their basic needsfood, shelter and clothingbut not enough for luxuries like expensive holidays or cars. Lower middle-class people often live in suburbs or small towns rather than large cities. Their housing may be modest apartments or single family homes that they own outright or with a mortgage loan. They usually have access to public transportation although they may also own an older model car if necessary. The lower middle class has been hit particularly hard by economic inequality over the past few decades. According to a 2018 report from The Pew Charitable Trusts, this group experienced statistically significant declines in median income between 1970 and 2016 while other income groups either stayed stable (upper-middle class) or increased (upper-class). As wages stagnate for many workers, it can be difficult for lower middle-class families to afford housing costs and healthcare expenses on their limited budgets even with two earners in the household. Despite these challenges, however, there is still hope for those living in lower socioeconomic strata: increasing focus on job retraining programs can help members of this demographic find better employment opportunities; social safety net programs like Medicaid provide needed healthcare coverage; and policies like rent control can help keep housing costs affordable for everyone regardless of income level.