2012-09-09-皮尤-A_Third_of_Americans_Now_Say_They_Are_in_the_Lower_Classes_16页_115kb

Pew Research Center: Americans' Self-Identification with Social Class

Key Findings:

• A third (32%) of U.S. adults identify as lower or lower-middle class, up from 25% in 2008.
• Young adults (18-29) show the most significant increase (39%), nearly twice the overall rate.
• Hispanics (40%) and whites (31%) have higher identification with lower classes compared to 2008.
• Blacks (33%) and older adults (20%) show no significant change.
• Education plays a role: No college diplomas (41%) show the largest increase, while college graduates (17%) show the smallest.
• Political affiliation: Conservatives (32%) show the largest increase, followed by Republicans (23%) and independents (37%).

Economic Disparities:

• Lower-class adults report greater financial strain, health issues, and stress.
• Job dissatisfaction (28%) and unemployment (37%) are higher among lower-class adults.
• Pessimism about economic future is high (58% express worry).

Social Mobility:

• Many lower-class individuals (61%) remain in the same class as their upbringing.
• Higher rates of downward mobility (26%) among those raised middle class.
• Strong correlation between childhood background and adult class placement.

Overall Conclusion: Growing economic challenges and shifting demographics characterized the American social class structure post-Great Recession.