13 The Size of the New Lower Class
Three Problematic Categories
There are three main groups struggling in Fishtown: men not making a living, single mothers, and community isolates. The first group includes men who do not earn enough income to keep a household above the poverty line, which in 2010 was $14,634. Even working minimum wage jobs could help married men meet this standard, yet many men between 30 and 49 don’t earn enough. Since 1974, the percentage of men failing to make a living has increased significantly.
The second group, single mothers, also face challenges. Since 1960, the number of single mothers raising children has quadrupled, adding to stresses on family structures and civic life.
Lastly, community isolates are individuals—mostly men—who do have jobs but remain disconnected from their community. They have social connections for fun but do not participate in community activities or civic engagements. This lack of involvement means they do not have a support network during difficult times. A significant portion of these isolates has been identified among both men and women in Fishtown, highlighting their struggles despite being economically self-sufficient.
Adding Up the Categories
The population of the white new lower class has significantly increased from the 1960s to 2007, rising from 8 percent to 17 percent among whites aged 30-49. The percentage rose further to over 19 percent during the recession in 2009. This estimate may be conservative, as it likely undercounts the number of individuals not capable of supporting a family and excludes younger and older individuals who are economically struggling. The growth of this lower class is impacting American society and culture.
Three Problematic Categories
There are three main groups struggling in Fishtown: men not making a living, single mothers, and community isolates. The first group includes men who do not earn enough income to keep a household above the poverty line, which in 2010 was $14,634. Even working minimum wage jobs could help married men meet this standard, yet many men between 30 and 49 don’t earn enough. Since 1974, the percentage of men failing to make a living has increased significantly.
The second group, single mothers, also face challenges. Since 1960, the number of single mothers raising children has quadrupled, adding to stresses on family structures and civic life.
Lastly, community isolates are individuals—mostly men—who do have jobs but remain disconnected from their community. They have social connections for fun but do not participate in community activities or civic engagements. This lack of involvement means they do not have a support network during difficult times. A significant portion of these isolates has been identified among both men and women in Fishtown, highlighting their struggles despite being economically self-sufficient.
Adding Up the Categories
The population of the white new lower class has significantly increased from the 1960s to 2007, rising from 8 percent to 17 percent among whites aged 30-49. The percentage rose further to over 19 percent during the recession in 2009. This estimate may be conservative, as it likely undercounts the number of individuals not capable of supporting a family and excludes younger and older individuals who are economically struggling. The growth of this lower class is impacting American society and culture.