A Brief History of America's Middle Class

"'The middle class is disappearing' has been a standard line during this election cycle. As it turns out, it's not wrong."

"Last year was the first recorded year that middle-income families no longer made up the majority in America, according to the Pew Research Center. What this actually means economically is a mixed bag, but 'middle class' in the U.S. has historically stood for something less concrete: the American dream."

"Between now and the election, All Things Considered will be looking at what it means to be middle class in America today."