Why is the U.S. way behind many other countries in terms of a vibrant middle class?

[bullwinkle428]

"Countries like Australia, Sweden, Canada and Switzerland all have stronger middle classes than the U.S. What makes the differences?


Who is the middle class?
Jeremy Hobson: Perhaps one of the reasons the Occupy Wall Street protests have picked up so much steam is that the middle class is being squeezed in this country. So is there a country that's doing a good job when it comes to building a strong middle class?

We asked Marketplace economics correspondent Chris Farrell to look into that, and he joins us now. Good morning.

Chris Farrell: Good morning Jeremy.

Hobson: So is anybody getting it right when it comes to fostering a strong middle class?

Farrell: Oh I think there are a number of countries that are truly getting it right. The northern European countries -- Denmark, Sweden, Switzerland, Germany -- they're doing it right, have a healthy middle class. And then there's Canada, Australia, New Zealand -- they also have a much more vibrant middle class compared to the U.S."

http://marketplace.publicradio.org/display/web/2011/10/20/am-which-countries-have-strong-middle-classes/