What is the working class?

Definition and examples of the working class

How does the working class operate?

Diversity in the working class

Criticisms of the working class

What does this mean for working-class workers?

Definition and examples of the working class

The term “working class” typically refers to a segment of the labor force that works in the service sector or industries and does not hold a four-year college degree. While there is no universal definition of “working class,” the term usually refers to service sector workers who have less than a four-year college degree. Some common jobs for the working class include restaurant staff, auto technicians, construction workers, and other service industry workers. Alternative name: workers who wear uniforms.

How does the working class operate?

Many analysts use education level as an indicator of an individual’s belonging to the working class, as educational credentials do not change as frequently as income. For example, two employees may have the same degree and hold the same position in a company. However, one of the employees may not consider themselves working class because they have been with the company for 10 years and earn 50% more than the other employee. Researchers rely on other indicators, such as net worth, job type, or the degree of independence an individual has in their job. Generally, the working class works in jobs in food service, retail, simple manual labor, caregiving, or some types of office jobs. Some common examples of working-class jobs include factory workers, restaurant workers, nursing home staff, auto specialists, and delivery services. In 2015, the retail industry provided more jobs for working-class adults than the combined manufacturing, mining, and construction industries. In the same year, the healthcare industry saw a significant increase in working-class jobs.

Diversity in the working class

The composition of racial diversity in the working class has evolved over the years. In the 1940s, white workers comprised 88% of the working-class labor force. By 2015, this percentage had dropped to 58.9%, while African Americans and Hispanic Americans comprised 13.7% and 20.9% of the working-class labor force, respectively. The number of women in the working class increased, with women making up 45.6% of the working class in 2015 – up from less than 30% in 1940. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that the working class in the age group of 18 to 64 will become a majority of people of color by 2032.

Criticisms of the working class

As mentioned, there is no universal definition of the working class. Because education, income, occupation, and other factors can vary from individual to individual, it can be challenging to accurately measure the size and characteristics of the working class. Some argue that retirement can affect the data if the analyst uses education as an indicator of the working class. For example, a retired American who did not earn a four-year degree may not consider themselves working class because they are not currently employed. Some analysts may still consider those without college degrees and who are not working as part of the working class. In some cases, researchers may choose to avoid using the term “working class” altogether and instead categorize individuals by lower, middle, and upper class.

What does this mean for working-class workers?

Working-class workers aged 25 to 54, on average, feel more anxious about their financial situation. Some say that wage stagnation is a significant factor affecting the financial health of working-class workers, who may not share in the wealth they generate. Rising living costs heighten these financial concerns among working-class workers. Some organizations advocate for laws that enhance labor power by facilitating union membership in an effort to improve the quality of industrial jobs. More full employment opportunities, increased public employment, and vocational training programs can also help alleviate the suffering of the working class.

Source:

https://www.thebalancemoney.com/what-is-the-working-class-5211072