Take a look at this fascinating graph I found here:
The article I got it from is stupid but the graph itself is very interesting. There is a perception of downward social mobility by the richer people and a perception of upward mobility among poorer people. Note that the stagnant progression of the lines changed quite dramatically in 2010-11. Of course, this reflects people’s perceptions which, as we all know, do not equal reality. But it is definitely curious that people perceive their class standing in this way.
The linked article concentrates solely on the perception of downward mobility among the richer Americans and does it with a certain degree of hysteria. This, of course, tells us all we need to know about the class to which the article’s author belongs. The perception of a steep upward mobility of the poorer Americans is of no interest to him. Since I identify with the lowest classes (for obvious reasons) and my personal experience fits in perfectly with the graph, I find this information fascinating.
What say you, readers? What makes people of lower classes believe their class mobility has experienced a sharp rise in 2010-11?
Clarissa's Blog 
May I ask what the obvious reasons are? Based on your and N’s education, I would put you in upper middle class, had you asked. You aren’t a seller in a shop, or even a school teacher. Is it because of USSR childhood?
// What makes people of lower classes believe their class mobility has experienced a sharp rise in 2010-11?
Hearing how bad everybody else has it makes one’s situation seem better in comparison.
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We are immigrants, and that is always the lowest class there can be. Plus, with zero economic assets, zero connections, zero support system.
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I’m not sure I understand you. From how I am reading the chart, it seems the more Americans ID has lower class–not that lower class Americans believe they have enjoyed upward mobility. Unless I’m misunderstanding the chart….
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Typo: From how I understand the chart it suggests that more Americans now self identify as lower class–not that lower class Americans believe they have a surge in class standing.
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Oh, you are right! I misinterpreted it.
Now guess who bombed at math in high school. 🙂
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I think the graph shows what percentage of the population self-identifies with each economic class. So in January 2014 more people self-identify as poor than did in February 2008. The line trends up because the ranks of people who consider themselves poor increases, not because poor people have a perception of upward mobility. Of course, you may be seeing something in the graph I’ve missed.
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Yes, wishful thinking, man. Plus bad knowledge of math. My mother, the math teacher, would not be happy. 🙂
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