Shrinking Middle Class? | #395

Shrinking Middle Class? | #395

From Faith and Economics by Gwartney Institute

June 1, 2026 · 36 min

About this episode

Russ and Peter discuss the evolving definitions and perceptions of the American middle class amidst claims of its decline.

Is the American middle-class is shrinking like the media tells us it is? Russ and Peter examine various data points and perspectives. Listen in and think about how middle class definitions have evolved over time, considering factors like income, wealth, and lifestyle expectations. While statistical data shows the middle class has shrunk in relative terms, they debated whether this reflects genuine economic decline or simply greater economic polarization with more people moving to higher or lower income brackets. How do you feel about middle-class America?

People in this episode

Hosts: Russ, Peter

Topics covered

  • middle class
  • economic polarization
  • income brackets
  • wealth
  • lifestyle expectations

Keywords

  • middle class
  • economic decline
  • data analysis
  • income
  • wealth
  • lifestyle

Mentioned in this episode

Places: America

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