Lower middle class
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The lower middle class much like the upper middle class is a sub-division of the greater middle class which constitutes the by far largest socio-economic class. According to the US Library of Congress, "The lower middle class, constituting the bulk of the middle class, came primarily from upwardly mobile members of the lower class." This particular sub group is, as the quote infers, the largest sub-label applied to members of the middle class. This particular group encompasses the stereotypical "average Joe" blue collar occupations and clerical white collar employees. While some people of the lower-middle class have four-year college degrees, the vast majority are high school graduates, some of whom have some college education and may have an Associates degree. While it is often stated that the lower middle class is simply a synonym for the working class, it has been widely accepted in most class models, such as the Weberian model, as a sub-group of the middle class in its own right, positioned in between the working class and true middle class.
One significant social critic, Paul Fussell, claims in his book Class that the concept of a "lower middle class" is obsolete, stating that the old lower middle class has diverged into the real middle class that is somewhat better-educated (school teachers, accountants, clergy); blue-collar supervisors, nurses, police officers, firefighters, and letter carriers, have become indistinguishable from the skilled laborers that Fussell calls "high proles"; most clerical workers have become semi-skilled, machine-operating "mid proles" subject to the same mass layoffs and regimentation characteristic of assembly-line workers. Clerical work that used to pay enough to support a family and define much of the lower middle class now offers at most a supplementary income that aids another adult family member who holds a low-paying job.
Professions
Most people in the lower middle class work in high-end blue collar occupations, white collar clerical positions, uniformed civil service jobs, grade and high school education, registered nursing, and entry-level management positions. Examples of occupations include: secretary, Locomotive Engineers, Police Officers, Firemen, and certain high tech and skilled occupations. Many entry-level managers such as managers of small retail outlets and well-paid unionized building trades workers who work for contractors and are not affiliated with the ownership of the construction business itself are considered to be part of the lower middle class as well.Lifestyle
Persons in this group have fewer financial resources at their disposal than members of the true middle and upper-middle class and often "live from paycheck to paycheck." Furthermore, due to their lower educational level and less specialized professional skills, members of the lower middle class tend to be far more vulnerable to changes in the economy than those in higher socio-economic classes. Combined, these attributes cause the lower middle class to enjoy very low financial security and increase their reliance on high-interest loans during economic downturns, when income decreases or unemployment occurs. In the United Kingdom Many lower middle class in addition to high interest loans may never own a Automobile (Car) out right where such a purchase would require the full sum of money to be paid at the time of purchase, in these instances many people semi-own cars under what is known as Finance and HP (Hire purchase) where an individual will pay a series of monthly instalments deducted from their low wage to pay off the car in a selected set amount of months (usually ranging from two years to five years depending on the individuals income), this way of purchase is a common way of semi-owning a new car where after the full price including high interest is paid off the options in many cases are to return the car back to the dealer and continue in the same way with a later model after the previous has been used to an extent many individuals would rather purchase a newer model in lieu of continuing to own an old car.
The lower middle class also places a lower degree of emphasis on post-secondary education than other, higher socio-economic classes. This is especially true since the lack of financial resources often causes college education to be an expensive dream for children in the lower-middle class. This lack of financial resources may therefore cause the children of lower middle class parents to become discouraged of attaining post-secondary college degrees and entering the labor force as a professional. Additionally, the parent's lack of a college education may also cause their children to believe that obtaining a college degree is unnecessary and that starting work earlier may be a better option.
Most reside in modest suburban homes, or small apartments in more expensive areas. Since many lower middle class households consist of families with several dependent children, overcrowding of living quarters in more expensive areas is rather common.
See also
- Lower class
- Middle-middle class
- Middle class
- Upper middle class
- Upper class
- Household income in the United States
References
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