Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Verified for the 2026 exam
Verified for the 2026 exam•Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Definition
The middle class refers to a social group that falls between the upper class and the lower class, typically characterized by moderate income, education, and occupation.
Related terms
Social Mobility: The ability to move up or down in social status based on factors such as education, occupation, or income.
Consumerism: A cultural ideology that emphasizes the acquisition and consumption of goods and services as a measure of success and happiness.
Income Inequality: The unequal distribution of wealth among individuals or groups within a society.