Why do Americans rarely use the term, "working-class," opting instead to lump everybody into the middle-class?

Question

Why are so many Americans naiive about class? It seems the American working-class aren't even aware they are working class. They all seem to refer to themselves eroneously as middle-class, thus I believe, misinterpreting their own unique values and best interests. Am I correct?

Answer 1

Most Americans will identify the term "working-class" with skilled and unskilled labourers, rather than a group that might include white-collar workers. Some Americans associate the term "middle class" as including people who are eager to show off any appearance of wealth. However, a good number of Americans like to identify themselves as "middle class" because they think of it as the "back bone" of American society. Even some from upper class families might feel reluctant to call themselves "upper class" for fear of appearing arrogant or snobbish. Though most labourers might not like the term "lower class", the more carefully-defined "upper-lower class" primarily consists of paid labourers. "Lower-lower class" would primarily consist of vagrants, pan-handlers, and poorly-educated criminals. It's hard to discuss "class" in the US without defining what one means exactly by that term. Too most, it will be about income; to some, about level of education; to others, sense of taste and culture. But one thing to keep in mind, the US has become one of the least socialistic industrialised nations, so the idea of a "working-class" labourer's paradise is something akin to socialism or communism in many American minds. Also, the idea of some politician saying "Mr. Labourer, I think I know what's best for your values and interests" sounds very elitist and obnoxious to many Americans, making them think, "who the F*K are you to tell me what's best for me? I'm smart enough to decide that for myself, you elitist, ivory-tower-dwelling a$$".

Answer 2

You seem to be correct based on what I have noticed on here. This likely stems from the over self importance that your citizens seem to have about themselves and their lot in life, this could be due to the overly Politically Correct society and a consequence of the "American Dream" (which is not uniquely American)

Answer 3

No you are not correct. We are proud that we are not a class-culture like many countries that look down on someone because they work. In our culture, work has always been looked upon as something positive. We believe in the 'American Work Ethic', have you hear of that? I suggest you research that. The rich, poor and middle class all work. People who don't work are the ones that are looked down upon, no matter what their class.

Answer 4

We don't use it.

We use:

Upper Income
Upper Middle Income
Middle Income
Upper Lower Income
Lower Income
Poverty Level

Answer 5

That's what happened when people refused to see that class division do exist and can NOT be erased.

Hindu got Brahmin (taking care of knowledge and spirituality), Kshatriya (protectors of Dharma), Vaishya (mercantile and agricultural class) and Shudra (artisan and labour class). Religion, military, capitalist, and labour. It exist in most societies.

Answer 6

They ARE naive about social class - for the very reasons Mad For MAC "explains"
Wake up America! Well, those of us down here in the working class. (you upper-middle class citizens, just keep on sleeping- you got it goin' on) Upper class, one day you'll run out of that sleeping potion -and we will revolt
"If there's a new way, I'll be the first in line..."

Answer 7

im not trying to be mean nor funny but perhaps working class phrase distinguished between slavery and non slave workers a long time ago

Answer 8

No, you are not correct..