Pew Research: US Working Class Identity Embraced By 60% Of Adults

• A Pew Research Center study found that 60% of U.S. adults identify as "working class," an increase from 54% in 2024.
• This self-identification varies significantly across education, income, race, ethnicity, and political affiliation.
• Republicans are more likely than Democrats to identify as working class across all socioeconomic groups, with 67% of Republicans compared to 55% of Democrats.
• Americans without a college degree and those in middle-income brackets are most likely to identify as working class, though many higher-income and educated individuals also do.
• About six in ten white and Hispanic adults identify as working class, while roughly half of Black and Asian adults share this identity.

While a significant majority of Americans perceive themselves as belonging to this group, the characteristics defining this self-identification are remarkably diverse.

The Pew Research Center recently shed light on the complex and often-debated concept of "working class" identity within the United States. Data released on a Monday revealed that while a significant majority of Americans perceive themselves as belonging to this group, the characteristics defining this self-identification are remarkably diverse. The study highlights that an individual's sense of being "working class" is influenced by a range of factors including educational attainment, income level, racial or ethnic background, and even political affiliation.

This nuanced understanding comes at a time when the "working class" frequently features in national social and political dialogues, particularly as elections approach and candidates seek to align themselves with this demographic. However, the term itself is often employed with varying interpretations, leading to discussions that may refer to vastly different segments of the population. For context, the Oxford English Dictionary describes the Pew Research working class definition as relating to or originating from "the social class whose members do not have much money or power and are usually employed to do manual work."

Overall, the Pew Research working class identity US study, based primarily on a nationally representative survey of 8,512 U.S. adults conducted from January 20-26, 2026, found that 60% of adults in the United States affirm that the description "working class" applies well to them. This widespread adoption of the identity spans across various income and educational strata, indicating a broad resonance beyond traditional socioeconomic markers.

While the "working class" identity is broadly embraced, the Pew Research working class definition reveals distinct patterns across different demographic groups. Individuals without a college degree and those in the middle-income bracket are most inclined to identify themselves as working class. Nevertheless, a substantial proportion of adults with higher incomes and more advanced education also report feeling part of this group, underscoring the fluidity of socioeconomic class self-identification.

The study further indicates that financial stability plays a role, with those experiencing less financial stress generally less likely to claim a working-class identity. Despite this trend, a notable segment of the population defies this expectation: half of Americans who consistently manage to pay their bills in full, possess several months of emergency savings, and comfortably cover their expenses still consider themselves working class. This finding challenges conventional notions that link working-class status solely to financial hardship.

Racial and ethnic backgrounds also present variations in how Americans identify with the working class. White adults, for instance, are more prone to self-identify as working class compared to Black adults. Specifically, approximately six out of ten white and Hispanic adults collectively view themselves as working class, while roughly half of Black and Asian adults share this perception. These US working class demographics illustrate the multifaceted nature of this identity.

Political affiliation emerges as a significant determinant in how Americans perceive their working-class status. The Pew Research study found that majorities of Republicans, irrespective of their educational background, economic standing, or occupational group, are more likely than Democrats to identify as working class. Specifically, 67% of Republicans and those who lean Republican stated that the term "working class" describes them well, in contrast to 55% of Democrats. This highlights a notable political identity working class divide.

The partisan disparity is most pronounced among adults who are higher-income and more financially secure. In this demographic, Democrats were generally less inclined to identify with the term, whereas Republicans were more likely to do so. Interestingly, the partisan gap remains almost identical when comparing Americans with and without bachelor’s degrees. Among college graduates, 56% of Republicans identify as working class, compared with 44% of Democrats, further emphasizing the role of political identity over educational attainment in this context.

Moreover, the overall prevalence of working-class self-identification has seen an increase in recent years. In 2024, 54% of Americans reported that the term described them well. This figure has risen to 60% in the current data, indicating a growing trend of Americans embracing a working-class identity, potentially reflecting broader societal shifts or evolving perceptions of socioeconomic status.

This Pew Research study provides valuable sociological context on how the 'working class' is perceived and self-identified across various demographics in the US. Lawyers engaged in policy advocacy, legislative drafting, or jury selection may leverage these insights to better understand public sentiment and frame arguments where socioeconomic class is a relevant factor.

Source: Insights derived from Pew Research Center's latest study