Middle-class

In this alternate timeline, the socioeconomic class commonly known as the "middle class" in our reality is referred to as the "producers." They are typically composed of small tradespeople, artisans, civil servants, and white-collar professionals. This timeline has experienced a series of labor revolts and government expansion that has significantly increased the prestige, power, and social mobility of producers. However, they still face significant modern challenges.

Composition and Power

• Small tradespeople and artisans: Successful labor revolts in the 19th century empowered specialized workers, leading to more respect for skilled craftspeople.
• Civil servants: Government expansion in the early 20th century vastly increased the number and influence of bureaucrats, building a pillar of society's stability.
• White-collar professionals: Engineers, doctors, lawyers, and other technically skilled professionals have profited from the increasingly complex and regulated society.

Social Mobility

Unlike our reality, producers in this timeline have experienced more social mobility, largely due to organized labor and government support. This has created a society where the majority of people are either producers or workers based on the technical vs. manual nature of their work.

Challenges

• Housing crisis: Real estate speculation, driven by investors, has led to unaffordable housing for many producers.
• High education costs: The need for professional degrees like engineering, medicine, or law has resulted in significant debt for many, straining their possibilities for upward mobility.
• Market declines: Some industries, like traditional crafts, have seen decreasing demand as society automates and streamlines production, putting pressure on producers in those fields.

Reduced Rich and Working Class Distinctions

This society has proportionally fewer people categorized as "rich" or "working class." The vast majority of individuals belong to the producer or worker classes based on the technical vs. manual nature of their work, rather than the income or wealth they accumulate. This has created a society with far fewer economic inequalities than our reality, though it still faces significant challenges.