Which social class consists of skilled workers, professionals, and businesspeople?

The middle class emerged prominently during the Industrial Revolution, characterized by the rise of skilled workers, professionals, and businesspeople who played vital roles in the increasingly complex economy. This social class benefited from the economic opportunities created by industrialization, gaining access to better education and job prospects compared to lower classes. The middle class became influential in shaping society, often advocating for reforms and participating in political and cultural movements.

In contrast, the upper class typically includes wealthy elites who own significant resources but may not necessarily engage in the skilled professions or businesses that define the middle class. The working class generally consists of laborers performing manual or unskilled jobs, often with limited economic opportunities. The lower class is usually associated with those in poverty or precarious employment, who lack the skills or resources that typify the middle class.