Vacations to destinations such as Hawaii, shown above, may be seen as a hallmark of the upper middle class.

The upper middle class is a sociological concept referring to the social group constituted by higher-status members of the middle class. In Sociology, a group can be defined as two or more Humans that interact with one another accept expectations and obligations as members of the group and share a The middle class, in colloquial usage consists of those who have some economic independence but not a great deal of social Influence or power. This is in contrast to the term lower middle class used for the group at the other end of the middle class scale and the regular middle class. In developed nations across the earth the lower middle class, is a sub-division of the greater Middle class which constitutes by far the largest socio-economic class The middle class, in colloquial usage consists of those who have some economic independence but not a great deal of social Influence or power. There is considerable debate as to how the upper middle class might be defined. According to Max Weber the upper middle class consists of well-educated professionals with graduate degrees and comfortable incomes. Maximilian Carl Emil Weber (maks 'veːbɐ (21 April 1864 &ndash 14 June 1920 was a German political economist and sociologist who was considered

The American upper middle class is defined similarly using income, education and occupation as main indicators. The American middle class is an ambiguously defined Social class in the United States. Income in the United States is measured by the United States Department of Commerce either by household or individual. The educational attainment of the US population is similar to that of many other industrialized countries with the vast majority of the population having completed secondary education ^[1] In the United States, the upper middle class is defined as mostly consisting of white-collar professionals who have not only above-average personal incomes and advanced educational degrees^[1] but also a high degree of autonomy in their work, leading to higher job satisfaction. Personal income is a measure utilized by the United States government particularly the Department of Commerce, to determine the income of individuals The educational attainment of the US population is similar to that of many other industrialized countries with the vast majority of the population having completed secondary education ^[2] The main occupational tasks of upper middle class individuals tend to center on conceptualizing, consulting, and instruction. ^[3]

Professions

Certain professions can be judged as "upper middle class" though any such measurement remains somewhat subjective because of people's differing perception of class. Most people in the upper-middle class strata are highly educated white collar professionals such as physicians, lawyers, economists, accountants, university professors, teachers, doctors, architects, psychologists, scientists, engineers, dentists, pharmacists, high-level civil servants and the intelligentsia. The American middle class is an ambiguously defined Social class in the United States. A physician, medical practitioner or medical doctor who practices Medicine, and is concerned with maintaining or restoring human Health A lawyer, according to Black's Law Dictionary, is "a person learned in the law as an attorney, Counsel or Solicitor; a person An economist is an expert in the Social science of Economics. An accountant is a practitioner of Accountancy, which is the measurement disclosure or provision of assurance about financial information that helps managers investors A university is an institution of Higher education and Research, which grants Academic degrees in a variety of subjects The meaning of the word professor ( Latin: professor, person who professes to be an expert in some art or science teacher of highest rank) varies An architect is a licensed individual who leads a design team in the Planning and Design of buildings and participates in oversight of Building Construction Mental health professional A psychologist is a practitioner of Psychology, the systematic investigation of the mind including Behavior, Cognition, A scientist, in the broadest sense refers to any person that engages in a systematic activity to acquire Knowledge or an individual that engages in such practices An engineer is a person professionally engaged in a field of Engineering. Pharmacists are Health professionals who practice the art and science of Pharmacy. See also Bureaucrat The term civil service has two distinct meanings Branch of governmental service in which individuals are hired on the basis For the coffee shop company often called Intelligentsia for short see Intelligentsia Coffee & Tea. Other common professions include corporate executive and business owner. Corporate titles are titles conferred on individuals as a means of identifying their function in the Organization. An entrepreneur is a person who has possession over a company enterprise, or Venture, and assumes significant accountability for the inherent risks and the outcome Generally, people in these professions have an advanced post-secondary education and a comfortable standard of living. ^[1]

Values

Most people encompassing this station in life have a high regard for higher education, and probably more than any other socio-economic class strive for themselves and their children to obtain graduate or at least four-year undergraduate degrees.

Additionally, they place a high value on travel, the arts, and high culture in general. High culture is a term now used in a number of different ways in Academic discourse whose most common meaning is the set of cultural products mainly in the This value also binds into the emphasis placed on education as foreign travel increases one's understanding of other cultures and helps create a global perspective.

In the U. S. , the upper middle class is rather divided in terms of political ideology. Education commonly increases the chance of a person's subscribing to liberal beliefs once they have reached the college level. The educational attainment of the US population is similar to that of many other industrialized countries with the vast majority of the population having completed secondary education ^[4] In terms of income, liberals tend to be tied with pro-business conservatives. ^[5] Most mass affluent households tend to be more right-leaning on fiscal issues but more left-leaning on social issues. Mass affluent (schwul and emerging affluent are Marketing terms used to refer to the growing high end of the Mass market. ^[6] The majority of college-educated professionals, who compose 15% of the population and 20% of the electorate, favor the Democratic Party. The Democratic Party is one of two major Political parties in the United States, the other being the Republican Party. ^[7] The majority, between 50% anf 60%, of households with incomes above $50,000 overall, not all of whom are upper middle class,^[8] supported the Republican Party, in the 2000, 2004 and 2006 elections. ^[9][9][10] Academia and those with graduate degrees overall favor the Democratic Party. ^[10][11] In 2005, 72% of full-time faculty members at four-year institutions, the majority of whom would be considered upper middle class,^[1] identified as liberal. ^[12]

Education plays a major role in determining tastes and ideologies in this class. A graduate degree, and often even more higher education, is a prerequisite to work in one of the traditional "professions" and as a result this segment of the upper middle class is generally more liberal in their political ideologies and more urbane in their tastes. Corporate members of the upper middle class, on the other hand, may have a less advanced higher education (they may have worked their way up to their current social station from an entry-level corporate position). It should be noted, however, that many business persons do have advanced post-secondary education, most notably those with MBAs. Furthermore, in some cases professionals such as chemists or economists may be employed by private businesses and have managerial duties aside from their professional research duties.

The upper middle class is often the group that shapes society and brings social movements to the forefront. Social movements are a type of group action. They are large informal groupings of Individuals and/or Organizations focused on specific Movements such as the Peace Movement, The Anti-Nuclear Movement, Environmentalism, the Anti-Smoking movement, and even in the past with Blue laws and the Temperance movement are all products of the upper middle class. A peace movement is a Social movement that seeks to achieve ideals such as the ending of a particular war (or all wars minimize inter-human violence in a particular place or The anti-nuclear movement is a loosely-linked international social movement opposed to the use of nuclear technologies Environmentalism is a broad philosophy and Social movement centered on a concern for the conservation and improvement of the environment. Tobacco Smoking is the inhalation of smoke from burned dried or cured leaves of the Tobacco plant most often in the form of a Cigarette. A blue law is a type of law in the United States and Canada designed to enforce moral standards particularly the observance of Sunday as a day of worship See also Prohibition, Teetotalism The Temperance Movement attempted to reduce the amount of Alcohol consumed within a community or society in Some claim this is because this is the largest class (and the lowest class) with any true political power for positive change, while others claim some of the more restrictive social movements (such as with smoking and drinking) are based upon "saving people from themselves. "^[3]

American upper middle class

See American Professional/Managerial middle class for a complete overview of the American middle classes. The American middle class is an ambiguously defined Social class in the United States.

Advanced education is one of the most distinguishing features of the upper middle class.

The American upper middle class consists mostly of salaried white collar professionals.

In the United States the term middle class and its subdivisions are an extremely vague concept as neither economists nor sociologists have precisely defined the term. The American middle class is an ambiguously defined Social class in the United States. ^[13] There are several perceptions of the upper middle class and what the term means. In academic models the term applies to highly educated salaried professionals whose work is largely self-directed. Many have graduate degrees with educational attainment serving as the main distinguishing feature of this class. Household incomes commonly may exceed $100,000, with some smaller one-income earners earning incomes in the high 5-figure range. ^[1][8]

In addition to having autonomy in their work, above-average incomes, and advanced educations, the upper middle class also tends to be influential, setting trends and largely shaping public opinion. ^[8][3] Overall, members of this class are also secure from economic down-turns and, unlike their counterparts in the statistical middle class, do not need to fear downsizing, corporate cost-cutting, or outsourcing -- an economic benefit largely attributable to their graduate degrees and comfortable incomes, likely in the top income quintile or top third. Household income is a measure of current private income commonly used by the United States government and private institutions A degree is any of a wide range of status levels conferred by institutions of Higher education, such as universities, normally as the result of successfully completing Household income is a measure of current private income commonly used by the United States government and private institutions Household income is a measure of current private income commonly used by the United States government and private institutions Household income is a measure of current private income commonly used by the United States government and private institutions ^[1] Typical professions for this class include professors, accountants, architects, urban planners, engineers, economists, pharmacists, political scientists, physicians and lawyers. The meaning of the word professor ( Latin: professor, person who professes to be an expert in some art or science teacher of highest rank) varies An accountant is a practitioner of Accountancy, which is the measurement disclosure or provision of assurance about financial information that helps managers investors An architect is a licensed individual who leads a design team in the Planning and Design of buildings and participates in oversight of Building Construction An urban planner is a professional who works in the field of Urban planning for the purpose of maximizing the effectiveness of a community's land use and infrastructure An engineer is a person professionally engaged in a field of Engineering. An economist is an expert in the Social science of Economics. Pharmacists are Health professionals who practice the art and science of Pharmacy. Political science is a branch of Social sciences that deals with the theory and practice of Politics and the description and analysis of Political systems A physician, medical practitioner or medical doctor who practices Medicine, and is concerned with maintaining or restoring human Health A lawyer, according to Black's Law Dictionary, is "a person learned in the law as an attorney, Counsel or Solicitor; a person ^[3][14]

Income

Further information: Affluence in the United States, Household income in the United States, and Personal income in the United States

While many Americans see income as the prime determinant of class, occupational status, educational attainment, and value systems are equally important. Affluence in the United States refers to an individual's or household's state of being in an economically favorable position in contrast to a given Reference group. Household income is a measure of current private income commonly used by the United States government and private institutions Personal income is a measure utilized by the United States government particularly the Department of Commerce, to determine the income of individuals Income in the United States is measured by the United States Department of Commerce either by household or individual. The educational attainment of the US population is similar to that of many other industrialized countries with the vast majority of the population having completed secondary education Income is in part determined by the scarcity of certain skill sets. ^[1] There are also differences between household and individual income. Household income is a measure of current private income commonly used by the United States government and private institutions Personal income is a measure utilized by the United States government particularly the Department of Commerce, to determine the income of individuals In 2005, 42% of US households (76% among the top quintile) had two or more income earners; as a result, 18% of households but only 5% of individuals had six figure incomes. Household income is a measure of current private income commonly used by the United States government and private institutions For US-specific income information see Income in the United States Income earner refers to an individual who through work investments or a combination of both Affluence in the United States refers to an individual's or household's state of being in an economically favorable position in contrast to a given Reference group. ^[15] To illustrate, two nurses each making $55,000 per year can out-earn, in a household sense, a single attorney who makes a median of $95,000 annually. ^[16][17]

Sociologists Dennis Gilbert, Willam Thompson and Joseph Hickey estimate the upper middle class to constitute roughly 15% of the population. Using the 15% figure one may conclude that the American upper middle class consists, strictly in an income sense, of professionals with personal incomes in excess of $62,500, who commonly reside in households with six figure incomes. Personal income is a measure utilized by the United States government particularly the Department of Commerce, to determine the income of individuals ^{[15][18][1][8]} The difference between personal and household income can be explained by considering that 76% of households with incomes exceeding $90,000 (the top 20%) had two or more income earners. ^[15]

SOURCE: US Census Bureau, 2006^[20][19]

See also

• Middle class
• Social class
• Bourgeois personality

US-specific

• Affluence in the United States
• American middle class
• Educational attainment in the United States
• Household income in the United States
• Personal income in the United States
• Social structure of the United States

References

1. ^ ^{a b c d e f g h} Thompson, William; Joseph Hickey (2005). The middle class, in colloquial usage consists of those who have some economic independence but not a great deal of social Influence or power. Social class refers to the hierarchical distinctions (or stratification) between individuals or groups in Societies or Cultures. The term bourgeois is a social label applied to an individual who is seen as typical of the middle classes, both upper and lower valuing materialism and being respectable Affluence in the United States refers to an individual's or household's state of being in an economically favorable position in contrast to a given Reference group. The American middle class is an ambiguously defined Social class in the United States. The educational attainment of the US population is similar to that of many other industrialized countries with the vast majority of the population having completed secondary education Household income is a measure of current private income commonly used by the United States government and private institutions Personal income is a measure utilized by the United States government particularly the Department of Commerce, to determine the income of individuals There is considerable controversy regarding social class in the United States, and it remains a concept with many competing definitions Society in Focus. Boston, MA: Pearson. 0-205-41365-X.  
2. ^ Eichar, Douglas (1989). Occupation and Class Consciousness in America. Westport, Connecticut: Greenwood Press. 0-313-26111-3.  
3. ^ ^{a b c d} Ehrenreich, Barbara (1989). Fear of Falling, The Inner Life of the Middle Class. New York, NY: Harper Collins. 0-06-0973331.  
4. ^ O'Bannon, B. R. (27 August, 2003). In Defense of the 'Liberal' Professor. Indianapolis Star.. Retrieved on 2007-07-02. Year 2007 ( MMVII) was a Common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar in the 21st century. Events 310 - Pope Miltiades is elected 626 - In fear of assassination Li Shimin ambushes and kills his rival
5. ^ Pew Reasearch Center. (10 May, 2005). Beyond Red vs. Blue.. Retrieved on 2007-07-12. Year 2007 ( MMVII) was a Common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar in the 21st century. Events 1191 - Saladin 's garrison surrenders ending the two-year Siege of Acre.
6. ^ , R. & Saad, L. (9 December, 2004). Marketing to the Mass Affluent. Gallup Management Journal.. Retrieved on 2007-07-19. Year 2007 ( MMVII) was a Common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar in the 21st century. Events 711 - Muslim forces under Tariq ibn Ziyad defeat the Visigoths led by their king Roderic.
7. ^ Judis, B. J. (11 July, 2003). The trouble with Howard Dean. Salon.com.. Retrieved on 2007-07-19. Year 2007 ( MMVII) was a Common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar in the 21st century. Events 711 - Muslim forces under Tariq ibn Ziyad defeat the Visigoths led by their king Roderic.
8. ^ ^{a b c d e} Gilbert, Dennis (1998). The American Class Structure. New York: Wadsworth Publishing. 0-534-50520-1.  
9. ^ ^{a b} CNN. (2000). Exit Poll..
10. ^ ^{a b} CNN. (2004). Exit Poll..
11. ^ CNN. (2006). Exit Poll.. Retrieved on 2007-07-11. Year 2007 ( MMVII) was a Common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar in the 21st century. Events 911 - Signing of the Treaty of Saint-Clair-sur-Epte between Charles the Simple and Rollo of Normandy.
12. ^ Kurtz, H. (29 March, 2005). College Faculties A Most Liberal Lot, Study Finds. The Washington Post.. Retrieved on 2007-07-02. Year 2007 ( MMVII) was a Common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar in the 21st century. Events 310 - Pope Miltiades is elected 626 - In fear of assassination Li Shimin ambushes and kills his rival
13. ^ Middle class according to The Drum Major Institute for public policy. Retrieved on 2006-07-25. Year 2006 ( MMVI) was a Common year starting on Sunday of the Gregorian calendar. Events 285 - Diocletian appoints Maximian as Caesar, co-ruler
14. ^ Professional Occupations according to the US Department of Labor. Retrieved on 2006-07-26. Year 2006 ( MMVI) was a Common year starting on Sunday of the Gregorian calendar. Events 657 - Battle of Siffin. 811 - Battle of Pliska; Byzantine Emperor Nicephorus
15. ^ ^{a b c} US Census Bureau, income quintile and top 5% household income distribution and demographic characteristics, 2006. Household income is a measure of current private income commonly used by the United States government and private institutions Retrieved on 2006-12-28. Year 2006 ( MMVI) was a Common year starting on Sunday of the Gregorian calendar. Events 1065 - Westminster Abbey is Consecrated. 1308 - The reign of Emperor Hanazono, Emperor of
16. ^ US Department of Labor, median income of registered nurses. Retrieved on 2007-01-02. Year 2007 ( MMVII) was a Common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar in the 21st century. Events 366 - The Alamanni cross the frozen Rhine River in large numbers invading the Roman Empire.
17. ^ Bureau of Labor statistics data published by Monster.com, 20 highest paying jobs. Retrieved on 2006-12-27. Year 2006 ( MMVI) was a Common year starting on Sunday of the Gregorian calendar. Events 537 - The Hagia Sophia is completed 1512 - The Spanish Crown issues the Laws of Burgos, governing the
18. ^ US Census Bureau, distribution of personal income, 2006. Retrieved on 2006-12-09. Year 2006 ( MMVI) was a Common year starting on Sunday of the Gregorian calendar. Events 536 - Byzantine General Belisarius enters Rome while the Ostrogothic garrison peacefully leaves the city
19. ^ ^{a b} US Census Bureau, overall household income distribution, 2006. Retrieved on 2006-12-28. Year 2006 ( MMVI) was a Common year starting on Sunday of the Gregorian calendar. Events 1065 - Westminster Abbey is Consecrated. 1308 - The reign of Emperor Hanazono, Emperor of
20. ^ ^{a b} US Census Bureau, personal income distribution, age 25+, 2006. Retrieved on 2006-12-28. Year 2006 ( MMVI) was a Common year starting on Sunday of the Gregorian calendar. Events 1065 - Westminster Abbey is Consecrated. 1308 - The reign of Emperor Hanazono, Emperor of

• Definition of Middle Class stratification
• Relationship between income and education