The Formation of a New Upper Class
A new American upper class has emerged, distinct from previous classes. This new group includes "symbolic analysts," such as managers, engineers, and scientists, whose work focuses on processing information, as noted by economist Robert Reich. Richard Herrnstein and others referred to them as the "cognitive elite," highlighting the increasing importance of mental skills in the job market. David Brooks introduced the term "Bobos" for the blend of bourgeois and bohemian values in this class, while Richard Florida defined the "creative class," encompassing individuals who use creativity in various professions. This new upper class influences the nation's economic, political, and cultural institutions.
The Narrow Elite
The narrow elite is a small group of people who have a lot of power over the nation’s culture, economy, and politics. This group includes judges, journalists, top business leaders, and important government officials. There are likely fewer than a hundred thousand people in this elite, with only about ten thousand who are truly influential. Even though the country is large, the number of key players in media, law, and business is surprisingly small, as a few individuals often have much more power than many others.
The Broad Elite
The new upper class consists of successful and influential people in a region, including business owners, executives, media leaders, top professionals like lawyers and doctors, faculty at major universities, and powerful city officials. Defining this group can vary; a strict definition might limit it to the top 1 percent of professionals, while a broader view includes the top 5 percent. This broader definition would capture most successful individuals in these fields. By this definition, about 1,427,000 adults aged 25 and older belong to the new upper class, which together with their spouses, amounts to around 2.4 million adults in upper-class families.
What’s New About the New Upper Class
The new upper class in America is different from the past because its members now have more in common than just being successful. In earlier times, the upper class was mostly made up of wealthy families from the Northeast, connected to big companies and political power. Even in 1960, leaders came from many backgrounds, including farmers and factory workers, showing that people could rise to the top from humble beginnings. Today, while some individuals still succeed from modest starts, many in the upper class share similar lifestyles, tastes, and culture. This new group is becoming increasingly isolated, meaning they are less connected to the rest of society. This isolation can affect their understanding of the country they help to lead, making them less aware of the real issues facing many people.
A new American upper class has emerged, distinct from previous classes. This new group includes "symbolic analysts," such as managers, engineers, and scientists, whose work focuses on processing information, as noted by economist Robert Reich. Richard Herrnstein and others referred to them as the "cognitive elite," highlighting the increasing importance of mental skills in the job market. David Brooks introduced the term "Bobos" for the blend of bourgeois and bohemian values in this class, while Richard Florida defined the "creative class," encompassing individuals who use creativity in various professions. This new upper class influences the nation's economic, political, and cultural institutions.
The Narrow Elite
The narrow elite is a small group of people who have a lot of power over the nation’s culture, economy, and politics. This group includes judges, journalists, top business leaders, and important government officials. There are likely fewer than a hundred thousand people in this elite, with only about ten thousand who are truly influential. Even though the country is large, the number of key players in media, law, and business is surprisingly small, as a few individuals often have much more power than many others.
The Broad Elite
The new upper class consists of successful and influential people in a region, including business owners, executives, media leaders, top professionals like lawyers and doctors, faculty at major universities, and powerful city officials. Defining this group can vary; a strict definition might limit it to the top 1 percent of professionals, while a broader view includes the top 5 percent. This broader definition would capture most successful individuals in these fields. By this definition, about 1,427,000 adults aged 25 and older belong to the new upper class, which together with their spouses, amounts to around 2.4 million adults in upper-class families.
What’s New About the New Upper Class
The new upper class in America is different from the past because its members now have more in common than just being successful. In earlier times, the upper class was mostly made up of wealthy families from the Northeast, connected to big companies and political power. Even in 1960, leaders came from many backgrounds, including farmers and factory workers, showing that people could rise to the top from humble beginnings. Today, while some individuals still succeed from modest starts, many in the upper class share similar lifestyles, tastes, and culture. This new group is becoming increasingly isolated, meaning they are less connected to the rest of society. This isolation can affect their understanding of the country they help to lead, making them less aware of the real issues facing many people.