America Quote by Matthew Arnold
“That which in England we call the middle class is in America virtually the nation.”
About This Quote
Source Essay: Culture and Anarchy, 1869
In England the middle class is a small group, whereas in America it represents the whole nation.
In simple terms: America’s middle class essentially defines the country.
Key Takeaway
Recognize the broad influence of the middle class.
Themes
class
society
nation
Mood
analytical
reflective
Type
sociological
critical
When to use this quote
- policy making
- economic analysis
- civic identity
Key Concepts
sociology
demography
Questions to Reflect On
- What defines “middle class” today?
- How does this view affect social policy?
A Different Perspective
Class definitions vary across cultures; may oversimplify.
![“I'll smoke, I'll cough, I'll get the tumors, I'll die, deal? Thank you America. [salutes]” quote by Bill Hicks](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/3d2/bill-hicks-970_america_i-ll-smoke-i-ll-cough-i-ll-get-the-tumor_655.jpg)
