Demos - Ideas & Action

By a Thread

The New Experience of America's Middle Class

November 28, 2007

By Tamara Draut Jennifer Wheary Thomas M. Shapiro

Developed in collaboration with the Institute on Assets and Social Policy at Brandeis University, By a Thread: The New Experience of America's Middle Class looks at the financial security of the middle class using the innovative Middle Class Security Index, rating household stability across five core economic factors: assets, educational achievement, housing costs, budget and healthcare. The Index provides a comprehensive portrait of how well middle-class families are faring in each of these areas, with spotlight on the strengths and vulnerabilities of today's middle class.

Tags: Middle Class

News & Press

The Recession's Racial Divide: September 13, 2009

Middle Class Struggling for American Dream: March 30, 2009

A struggle to make ends meet: Middle class, buried in bills, cutting back, and reaching out for help; February 24, 2008

A microwave isn't a future: February 24, 2008

Guest Opinion : U.S. middle class working without a net: February 21, 2008

Juggling debt keeps us afloat: February 3, 2008

Jobs at risk: Report finds another 5.8 million could be unemployed in severe recession; February 3, 2008

Middle Class Feeling the Pinch: December 7, 2007

'Tis the season when generosity visits an 'invisible world': Newspaper charity drives continue to help families who cannot afford Christmas gifts.; December 5, 2007

Political sun will shine on middle class: December 2, 2007

Largest Home Price Drop Didn't Help Sell Houses: (show transcript); December 1, 2007

Middle-Class Families in United States At Financial Risk: Two Out of Three Are Financially Shaky; November 29, 2007

Middle class feels the squeeze: Rising costs of health care, housing, and education are forcing middle-class families to work harder and longer, says a new repo; November 28, 2007