Experience of middle-class study in the world and in Russia

The article is concerned with the problem of how to single out and study the middle class as a social group. The reviewed publications set up the ground for discussion, concerning the history of «middle class» studies in sociology and social psychology. The article analyzes criteria for singling this group out and presents empirical data concerning middle class population in Europe, North America, Middle East and Asia. On the ground of contemporary publications the analysis of qualities of «middle class» representatives is carried out. The review makes the conclusion about the middle class population and dynamics both in Russia and abroad.

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