On the Condition of the Working Class

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RCIAGraduate

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In the United States and presumably other first world countries, there seems to be a sizable amount of the population that falls under the working classes. By working class, I am referring to low and moderate income workers and households, particularly those who are living hand to mouth (“paycheck to paycheck”). They are the epitome of the “middle class squeeze” barely scraping by and having little to no ability to save. Some may qualify for public welfare or social assistance which may lighten their burdens but many despite their circumstances likely do not (not wealthy enough to be comfortable but too rich to qualify for welfare).

Those in the cities and metropolitan areas are highly susceptible to rising rents and housing costs which continue to accentuate their precarious situation. They may be one crisis away from financial catastrophe. Their long-term futures and prospects appear insecure and uncertain because of their inability to save. Meanwhile, although their situation is both prevalent and precarious, it doesn’t seem to warrant much attention (probably due to a hierarchy of priority since situations like homelessness require urgent attention).

What is your take on thee situations and what do you think, if anything can and should be done about these situations?

P.S: I wish for civil dialogue, I understand some topics can end up “passionate” especially in light of the fact we are discussing real life issues.
 
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I think in the UK we are facing a bit of a time bomb with people who can’t afford to get on the property ladder (ie buy somewhere to live) but don’t have a good pension. Private rent is expensive enough when you work so I don’t know how a retired person would afford it.

There are in work benefits available but I think a lot of society resents that taxpayers money is subsidizing employers that don’t pay a wage you can live on and effectively paying off the mortgages of (often very wealthy) landlords.
 
RCIAGraduate said:
Meanwhile, although their situation is both prevalent and precarious, it doesn’t seem to warrant much attention
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It doesn’t warrant much attention from the people that are in the situation. They very often make choices that keep themselves from moving out of their current confines. In my mind there is very little society can do to aid people who make poor choices. More education and policies to help them handle money in a more responsible manner might be the best route. But, they can have it all right now and get airline miles for trips they cannot afford anyway usually wins out over sound financial decisions.
 
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