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Pew finds middle class no longer dominates in the U.S.

The United States was once dominated by the middle class. But new research conducted reveals that it is decreasing to be listed under the category of minorities.

According to CNN Money, a new Pew Research Center report mentioned the middle-class population in America has declined to nearly half, 49.9%, which has been decreased by 61% as compared to in 1971.

It also reports that the household income of the middle-class Americans is about two-thirds to two times the nation's median income. The range of income of a three-person household was $41,900 to $125,600 last year.

Many experts and politicians said that the middle class has dominated the society for decades and a good percentage is a reason behind strong America. Previously, they have suffered through rising costs and still wages and politicians are trying to find ways to strengthen the middle-class and at the same time increase the economic opportunities.

Many analysts and policymakers believe that the sudden decrease of the middle class will prove drastic for the economic and social stability of a nation, as reported by Los Angeles Times. Middle-income households were labeled as the major force behind the consumer spending. According to multiple liberals, the decreasing percentage of the middle class will badly affect the richest American family's income gains.

Donald Trump's Republican presidential campaign mostly includes Median-income voters, particularly non-college-educated men. His supporters' believes that the decreasing number of middle-class will exaggerate anger against the government and immigrant groups.

The decline started over a couple of years when highly educated workers, well-to-do investors and those with technical skills started getting economic rewards.

Ronald Wright describes the residents as "temporarily embarrassed millionaires". But according to April Gallup poll, Americans prefer more to be labeled as lower or working class, as mentioned by RT.

In 2008, 60 percent of Americans described themselves as middle class or upper-middle class and the percentage has now decreased to 51%. On the other hand, 48% of them referred themselves as lower class or working class.

Ronald Wright said, "Socialism never took root in America because the poor see themselves not as an exploited proletariat but as temporarily embarrassed millionaires."

August study conducted by Georgetown University's Center on Education and the Workforce reports that the rise of the rate of job opportunities for upper class is more than that of the middle class.

The upper class is benefited with one million more jobs available in three occupations marked under the category of top income generating, as compared to pre-recession levels. While the middle class has been provided with 900,000 fewer jobs. Pew also mentioned that since 1971 till now, upper class's income have been risen by 47%.


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