But people have a lot more stuff and bigger houses nowadays...

[raccoon]

Yesterday, or maybe Monday, I saw a post on a thread about this. THe thread, IIRC, had to do with the economy, unemployment or something like that. The poster enumerated ways that middle class has a higher standard of living than they did decades ago.

I can't remember any search words, so please post or PM me if you can remember the thread.

TIA!

[blindpig]

1. yeah, yeah, it's all about the middle class

but what about the worker and the poor? That is to say, the majority.

Hope I see that thread, I got 2 cent for it.

[DBoon]

2. But the middle class used to have pensions

and medical care, and stable employment, and affordable college for their kids (without the kids going into debt)

We've traded real value for plastic toys

That's why our health indicators are falling behind all other developed countries - lifespan, infant mortality, etc.

[Lorien]

3. I wouldn't call having a bigger home or lots of stuff a "higher

standard of living".

My blue collar grandfather raised four kids on his salary during the 40's and 50's. The had a nice new home on a about 1/2 acre. Only two of the children had to share a room, and the bedrooms were spacious. His wife had a part time job while school was in session, but always took the summers off to spend with her children. She had plenty of time for her numerous volunteer activities. They took long family vacations across the country. My grandfather belonged to a golf and recreational club, and later retired at age 60 and bought a camper and a small winter home in Florida. He and my grandmother traveled a lot in their "golden years", even taking cruises and trips to New Zealand and Australia. My other grandparents also traveled extensively and owned two small homes, plus a very nice motor boat/ mini yacht. All on a Sheriff deputy's salary. They were comfortable and had plenty of time to take it easy; and they were blue collar. Can the same be said of the middle class today?