{"product_id":"2940013124264","title":"Middle Class in America","description":"Income levels alone do not define the middle class.  Many very high and very low income persons report themselves as middle class.  Social scientists have explained this by defining \"middle class\" as a combination of values, expectations, and aspirations, as well as income levels.  Middle class families and those aspiring to be part of the middle class want economic stability, a home and a secure retirement. They want to protect their children's health and send them to college.  They also want to own cars and take family vacations.  However, aspirations alone are not enough; middle class families know that to achieve these goals they must work hard and save. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eOur results indicate how difficult it might be for many families to achieve these goals, particularly families in areas with higher housing prices.  In addition, any number of uncontrollable events can make it hard to achieve middle class aspirations, including extra medical bills, payments for child care or elder care, or other demands on income.  Families also face uncertainty about their future income, especially in an environment of high unemployment. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eOne of the hallmarks of American society has been the common desire among families of all backgrounds for economic security and a better life for their children.  Unfortunately, many families are not able to afford the sort of expenditures that we lay out in this report.  If American families are to realize their middle class dreams, the nation must have a healthy economy, a responsible private sector that offers decent jobs with benefits, and an effective public sector that provides high quality schools for all children.","brand":"U.S. Department of Commerce","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":47145597075696,"sku":"2940013124264","price":9.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0737\/7593\/9824\/files\/2940013124264_p0.jpg?v=1763576913","url":"https:\/\/shop-qa.barnesandnoble.com\/products\/2940013124264","provider":"Barnes \u0026 Noble (DEV)","version":"1.0","type":"link"}