The concept of class remains a pivotal issue in the United States, influencing politics, economic policy debates, and public sentiment amid growing wealth inequality. Recent discourse highlights how class shapes the perspectives and priorities of both major political parties ahead of upcoming elections, while underscoring broader concerns about economic mobility and democratic governance.
The American dream—long held as a promise of upward mobility—continues to motivate many, despite persistent challenges such as stark disparities in wealth, limited social safety nets, and political instability. Over 60 percent of Americans now identify as working class, a six-point increase from two years ago, according to recent Pew Research figures. This rising self-identification reflects widespread economic insecurity affecting not only traditional blue-collar workers but also many white-collar employees facing job instability due to automation and precarious benefits tied to employment.
Political parties are responding to this shift, albeit with differing emphases. Republicans have found electoral success appealing to working-class voters through policies focused on re-industrialization and limited taxation on certain incomes, such as tips. However, some Republican efforts, including former President Donald Trump’s approach to trade and conflict, have somewhat diminished that appeal. Democrats, meanwhile, are increasingly foregrounding concerns about concentrated corporate power, labor protections, and direct aid to working people, signaling a move toward economic populism rather than identity politics.
Efforts to address wealth inequality have gained attention within both political and business spheres. For example, Scott Kirby, United Airlines’ chief executive officer, recently characterized wealth inequality as a societal danger and advocated for steep wealth and inheritance taxes, proposals that have drawn sharp criticism from conservative circles. Meanwhile, state-level initiatives such as the proposed billionaire tax in California seek to redistribute resources to fund healthcare and social services for lower-income populations.
The boundaries of what constitutes working-class status also appear to be evolving. Some Americans identify as working class due to the nature of their jobs—typically those without college degrees or involving manual labor—while others do so because of economic vulnerability regardless of education. Notably, about half of college graduates and high-income adults now view themselves as working class, reflecting broader anxieties about job security and economic prospects.
Wealth disparity remains a central dividing factor. Median wealth among upper-income households is now nearly 49 times that of lower-income groups, up from 31 times just two years ago. This concentration of wealth drives inflationary pressures in sectors like housing and education, exacerbating economic difficulties for many Americans. Unions are also expanding the working-class definition to include any individuals reliant on paychecks, including traditionally non-unionized groups such as adjunct professors.
Addressing the challenges associated with class and mobility requires cooperation across the political spectrum. Research from Harvard professor Raj Chetty illustrates a significant decline in intergenerational economic mobility: whereas 90 percent of children born in the 1940s earned more than their parents, only about half of those born in the 1980s have achieved the same. Experts argue that reversing this trend will necessitate sustained economic growth and more equitable distribution of prosperity.
Jennifer Harris, head of an organization that funds economic research and advocacy spanning the political divide, suggests that being "working-class" today may reflect a set of beliefs about what the country’s democracy requires, beyond mere income or occupation. She emphasizes that functional democracy and economic mobility are interlinked, with public confidence in political systems tied to beliefs about future opportunity.
As the nation approaches its midterm elections, issues of class and economic opportunity will play a critical role in shaping voter attitudes and policy outcomes. The extent to which the American dream remains attainable for successive generations will depend on how effectively economic and political leaders address these intertwined challenges.