“Since 2000, the middle class has shrunk in size, fallen backward in income and wealth, and shed some — but by no means all — of its characteristic faith in the future,” the report states.

The survey, “The Lost Decade of the Middle Class,” defines a middle-income household as a family of three earning $39,418 to $118,255.

The report reiterates what has become a common theme among demographers and economists: The financial status and outlook for the middle and lower classes has weakened while the fortunes of the wealthy have significantly brightened.

Cá não deve ser muito diferente. Entre o desemprego, a desvalorização das casas e a subida do custo de vida a classe média está a encolher e a riqueza do país está nas mãos de uns poucos. E a tendência é para piorar.