A recent survey by Pew Research shows that more Americans, about 60%, now identify as working class, up from 54% in 2024. This feeling is especially strong among middle-income earners, but even half of high-income families see themselves this way. The term "working class" is not clearly defined, leading to different interpretations—some link it to lower income, while others connect it to not having a college degree or working in manual jobs. Despite earning more money recently, many middle-income Americans feel financially strained, similar to lower-income groups. This feeling may be influenced by rising inflation, which has made people feel less secure about their finances. Interestingly, even those who are financially comfortable still identify as working class. Political views also play a role in how people see their class identity. Republicans are more likely to identify as working class compared to Democrats. This shift has caught the attention of some politicians, like New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani, who focuses on affordability for the working class, suggesting that anyone who needs to work to pay their bills belongs to this group.
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