What is the US 'working class'?

Answer 1

The American working class is, despite continuous ambigouity sourrounding the usage of the term, a large socio-economic demographic consisting of those who work in highly routinzed postions under relatively close supervision. (Gilbert, 2002) In the United States size estimates for this class vary from 30% (Gilbert, 2002) to 46% (Beeghley, 2004). While incomes of this class commonly lie just below the median (Thompson & Hickey, 2005), dual-earner working class families may earn almost as much as single upper middle class professionals. (Gilbert, 2002) High economic insecurity tends to one of the greatest economic challanges faced by persons in this class as most do not have a college degree and many have no more than a high school education. (Gilbert, 2002)

References:

1. Gilbert, D. (2002). The American Class Structure. Belmont, CA: Wadsworth
2. Beeghley, L. (2004). The Structure of Social Stratification in the United States. Boston, MA: Pearson, Allyn & Bacon
3. Thompson, W. & Hickey, J. (2005). Society in Focus. Boston, MA: Pearson, Allyn & Bacon

Answer 2

The expression working class was used in Karl Marx's works in the 19th century, meaning factory workers, and agricultural labourers. The class can be characterised by the lack of means of production. As they had nothing else but their labour force to sell, Marx said that they were the proletariat, and they were the exploited class of society.

Answer 3

The US working class typically refers to individuals who are employed in manual or industrial labor jobs, such as factory workers, construction workers, and service industry workers. They often earn hourly wages and may not have a college degree. The working class forms a significant part of the population and plays a crucial role in the economy.