A recent survey by the Pew Research Center in Washington, D.C., parcels out the middle class into four distinct groups, based on income, attitudes and outlook on life.
Top of the Class: Members are predominantly male, well-educated and financially secure. About 70 percent of this group has family income of $50,000 to $100,000, and they believe they'll be even more financially successful in the future. About 35 percent of people who describe themselves as middle class fall into this category.
Satisfied Middle: Is proportionately made up of young and old, with incomes ranging from $30,000 to $49,000. They've got a sunny, hopeful outlook and feel satisfied with their lives. They make up a quarter of the middle class.
Anxious Middle: Made up of people who fall in the middle of most economic measures -- income, education, age, employment and family status. Most are white and married, with the bulk aged 30 to 49 years old and income of $50,000 to $99,000. They're the most dissatisfied and downbeat of the four groups, and make up about 23 percent of the middle class.
Struggling Middle: Disproportionately made up of women, minorities and single people who earn less than $20,000. They have more in common with the lower class than with other groups. They make up about 17 percent of people who identify themselves as middle class.
Source: Pew Research Center, Social and Demographic Trends Project
