Have you ever wondered which social class you belong to? Are you part of the working class, the middle class, or perhaps the upper class? It’s a question that often goes unanswered, but the good news is that there are clear thresholds based on income that can help you figure it out.
The concept of social classes is often debated, but these classifications are typically determined by income brackets. To make things easier to understand, let’s break it down using income thresholds set by reliable sources such as the Observatory of Inequalities. This organization defines various categories based on median income—a figure that represents the middle of the income distribution.
The Thresholds: Understanding the Social Classes
To understand where you fit, we first need to look at the thresholds. The poverty line is set at half the median income, which means 50% of people earn less, and 50% earn more. From there, the following groups are defined:
- Lower class: The lowest 30% of earners.
- Middle class: Those between the 30% lowest earners and the 20% highest earners.
- Upper class: The wealthiest 20%, whose income is at least double the median income.
This classification provides a helpful starting point, but it’s important to keep in mind that income levels needed to fall into these categories can vary based on the size of a household.
Income Thresholds for Different Households
Here are some examples that illustrate how income levels determine whether you belong to the lower, middle, or upper class based on household size. These figures are based on the most recent data available from the National Institute of Statistics and Economic Studies (INSEE) for 2020, and they may change over time.
For a Single Person
- Below €940 per month: Considered poor.
- €940 to €1,500 per month: Lower class.
- €1,500 to €2,700 per month: Middle class.
- Above €2,700 per month: Upper class.
- Above €3,800 per month: Wealthy.
For a Couple Without Children
- Below €1,411 per month: Considered poor.
- €2,200 to €4,000 per month: Middle class.
- Above €5,600 per month: Upper class.
For a Couple With Two Children Over 14 Years Old
- Below €2,350 per month: Considered poor.
- €3,738 to €6,700 per month: Middle class.
- Above €9,400 per month: Upper class.
The Takeaway: Understanding Your Place
While these figures help clarify where you might fall on the income spectrum, remember that they are based on household income and the cost of living in your area. The thresholds are designed to provide a general guideline, but individual circumstances—such as location, lifestyle, and expenses—can influence how you experience life within your social class.
Additionally, these categories help highlight the disparities in income inequality and provide a clearer picture of economic mobility. As the economy evolves, so too will the definitions of the various social classes, so it’s important to revisit these thresholds periodically.
Ultimately, this information allows you to gain a better understanding of where you stand in terms of your income and what that means for your lifestyle and opportunities. And while these numbers offer insight into your financial status, remember that being part of a certain class is only one part of the story. Other factors, such as education, social networks, and opportunities, also play a huge role in shaping your life.
