The "Big Take" podcast from Bloomberg, hosted by Sarah Holder, delves into the changing definition of the "working class" in America. Traditionally, this term brought to mind factory workers and blue-collar jobs, rooted in the Industrial Revolution. However, as both Republican and Democratic parties vie for working-class votes ahead of midterms, the question of who constitutes the working class today has become increasingly complex.
Holder speaks with Bloomberg Opinion columnist Allison Schrager, labor activist Bertha “Mama Cookie” Bradley, and Distinguished Professor of Law Joan C. Williams to explore this evolving concept. The discussion highlights that the target for defining and crafting policy for working Americans is constantly moving, reflecting broader economic shifts and uncertainties. This indicates that the traditional understanding no longer fully captures the current landscape of the American workforce.
Polling data supports this broader interpretation, with Pew Research Center finding that 60% of US adults identify as working class, an increase from 54% in 2024. This includes half of upper-income adults (those earning above $155,600 annually) and half of college graduates, suggesting that economic anxieties extend beyond traditional working-class demographics. The perception of being working class is influenced by factors like education, income, and political affiliation, and it is most pronounced among those without a four-year degree and those in the middle-income bracket. The rising cost of living, with concerns over affordability, contributes to this expanded self-identification across various income levels.
