Washington, D.C. — Working-class families are struggling and want elected officials to focus on rewarding work while also representing their positions on other issues, according to research and findings from the American Worker Project at the Center for American Progress Action Fund.
A new analysis synthesizes findings from the project and elsewhere, including:
- Nearly two-thirds of the workforce, and roughly the same proportion of the electorate, is working class.
- The working class is more racially and ethnically diverse than the college-educated workforce.
- Working-class people struggle economically, burdened with high costs while working primarily in service jobs that do not offer decent wages.
- Working-class voters want progressive economic policies, especially those that reward work.
- Winning the working class requires more than just a strong economic message: Many working-class voters feel policymakers are out of touch, fail to address or even acknowledge cultural divides, or are more focused on the preferences of elites rather than prioritizing fights that will make the most difference to working people.
These findings make clear that anyone who wants to represent working-class Americans must prioritize a progressive economic agenda that strengthens worker power; ensures families can support themselves with decent pay and benefits; addresses skyrocketing costs for rent, groceries, and health care; and addresses the concerns of working-class voters on cultural issues.
Read the analysis: “The Working Class Wants Policymakers To Reward Work and Listen to Their Values” by Aurelia Glass, David Madland, and Karla Walter
For more information or to speak with an expert, please contact Sam Hananel at [email protected].