Final answer:
American society is divided into three primary classes: upper, middle, and lower class. Class divisions are primarily based on factors such as income and socioeconomic status, with wealth being a key differentiator. The middle class encompasses the broadest range of income, according to various economic studies.
Step-by-step explanation:
American society is divided into three primary classes: the upper class, the middle class, and the lower class. These classes are generally identified by sociologists and economists based on wealth, income, power, and control over one's life. The upper class encompasses the top earners, the middle class consists of a majority of sixty percent of the population, while the lower class includes primarily the bottom earners. Within these classes, there are various subcategories that further delineate the socio-economic divisions. For example, J.D. Foster defines the top twenty percent of earners as 'upper income' and the bottom twenty percent as 'lower income.' Median household income also plays a part in defining these classes, with different thresholds depending on these median income levels.
The middle class has a wide range in terms of income, and various definitions exist to clarify what counts as a middle-class income. According to the Pew Center, the middle class income ranges from two-thirds to twice the national median. In 2018, this translated to a household earning between $48,500 and $145,500 being considered middle-class in the U.S. However, class definitions can evolve and change over time, reflecting economic shifts and societal views.