Middle class

Definition

The middle class refers to a social group positioned between the upper and lower classes, characterized by moderate incomes, professional jobs, and a lifestyle that reflects a blend of both economic stability and social aspiration. This group gained prominence during the Restoration period as economic changes transformed society, leading to increased literacy rates and the rise of consumer culture, which in turn influenced literary forms and ideas, particularly through the periodical essay.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The emergence of the middle class was largely fueled by economic changes such as trade expansion, industrialization, and the growth of markets during the Restoration period.
2. Middle-class individuals increasingly sought education and self-improvement, leading to higher literacy rates and an interest in literature that reflected their values and experiences.
3. The middle class became a significant audience for periodical essays, which often addressed their concerns about morality, social issues, and consumer culture.
4. As a distinct social group, the middle class contributed to changing attitudes toward leisure and consumption, affecting both literary themes and styles during this time.
5. Key authors like Joseph Addison and Richard Steele catered to the middle-class audience through their periodical essays in publications like The Spectator, shaping public opinion and social norms.

Review Questions

• How did the emergence of the middle class influence literature during the Restoration period?
  • The emergence of the middle class significantly influenced literature by creating a new audience that sought works reflecting their values, aspirations, and concerns. This shift led to the development of new literary forms, such as the periodical essay, which addressed everyday experiences and social issues relevant to this growing demographic. Writers like Addison and Steele tailored their content to engage with middle-class readers, promoting ideas of virtue, morality, and consumer culture.
• Discuss how consumerism affected the lifestyle and values of the middle class during this time.
  • Consumerism had a profound effect on the lifestyle and values of the middle class by fostering a culture that prioritized material goods and self-expression through consumption. As this group began to acquire disposable income, they embraced shopping and leisure activities as markers of their social status. This shift not only altered daily life but also prompted writers to explore themes related to consumer culture in their works, which often highlighted both its benefits and drawbacks.
• Evaluate the role of literacy in shaping the identity of the middle class and its impact on literary production.
  • Literacy played a crucial role in shaping the identity of the middle class by empowering individuals to engage with texts critically and participate in cultural discussions. As literacy rates rose among this demographic, they developed a taste for literature that mirrored their realities, leading to an increase in demand for periodicals and essays that addressed their lives. This heightened engagement with literature not only produced a more informed citizenry but also encouraged writers to create works that resonated with middle-class values, thereby transforming literary production during this era.

Related terms

bourgeoisie: The bourgeoisie is a term used to describe the capitalist class who own most of society's wealth and means of production, often overlapping with the middle class in terms of socioeconomic status.

consumerism: Consumerism is the cultural orientation that encourages the acquisition of goods and services in ever-increasing amounts, closely tied to the rise of the middle class during the Restoration.

literacy: Literacy refers to the ability to read and write, which significantly increased among the middle class in the Restoration period, allowing for greater engagement with literature and periodicals.