A Reddit post on subreddit r/personalfinanceindia is stirring up quite the conversation, questioning the very definition of "middle class" in today's India. With inflation on the rise and prices continuing to soar, what really constitutes the middle class in a tier-1 city today? Is it about income, lifestyle, or mindset? Or, as some argue, have the wealthy Indian families simply become too reluctant to accept their true status?
A Question That Raises Eyebrows
The conversation started when a Reddit user shared a seemingly casual chat with a friend, revealing that this friend considered himself "middle class" despite having a family net worth of ₹7 crore and a monthly income of ₹3.5 lakhs. The friend’s household comprises just three people. The post immediately went viral, triggering a flood of opinions from users who began questioning the relevance of traditional social class distinctions in a rapidly changing economic environment.
"Apparently ₹7Cr net worth is middle class now. Did I miss the memo?" the post's title boldly asked, raising a critical question: Are the lines between middle class and upper class becoming increasingly blurry?
Is the Definition of 'Middle Class' Changing?
For years, the middle class in India has been generally defined by modest earnings, stable jobs, and a lifestyle that prioritizes savings over extravagance. But, as inflation pushes costs higher across all sectors—food, education, healthcare, and housing—many are starting to rethink what it truly means to be middle class. Is it just about income? Or does lifestyle play a crucial role in defining where you stand in the social hierarchy?
In a tier-1 city like Delhi, Mumbai, or Bengaluru, a ₹7 crore net worth with a monthly income of ₹3.5 lakhs would seem like a fortune to most. Yet, according to the Reddit user, the friend in question considers this "middle class" living. It begs the question: Are wealthy families simply downplaying their prosperity to fit in or avoid the label of being "rich"?
The Redditors Weigh In: Why Does 'Class' Matter?
As the post gained traction, users flooded the comment section with their opinions. One user shared a philosophical take, saying, "Unless you are famous, no one will remember you existed, two generations down the family tree or maybe three. Live a content life, and that's all that matters." For them, the issue isn't about being categorized into a specific social class but about living with contentment.
Others offered a more cynical view, claiming, "Everyone thinks they are middle class." It’s a sentiment that resonates with many Indians who, despite enjoying comforts that would be considered luxurious by previous standards, still hesitate to classify themselves as wealthy. For many, the mindset of "humble living" prevails, even when their financial standing says otherwise.
Another comment read, "Why does it matter what class it belongs to? ₹7Cr net worth will afford you a certain lifestyle. If someone starts categorizing it as first class, nothing changes. If a new report suddenly categorizes it as lower middle class, you're still living the same lifestyle." The commenter made a valid point: the label of 'class' doesn't fundamentally alter the quality of life. In fact, class distinctions may just serve as a social construct for status comparison rather than a reflection of reality.
The Humble Rich: Is Modesty the New Wealth?
One user brought in a refreshing perspective, stating, "Honestly, that is middle class. I see many relatives with 10Cr+ net worth (sometimes a big portion of it is liquid too) and they live a very modest life." This remark underscores an emerging trend among India’s rich: a preference for understated wealth. High-end cars and bikes, expensive properties, and luxurious vacations are no longer the primary indicators of prosperity. Instead, many prefer to live in ways that don’t scream opulence.
In fact, many wealthy individuals prefer to invest their money in assets that secure their future, such as real estate or stocks, while leading lives that could be easily mistaken for middle-class modesty. The new definition of "rich" in India might just be someone who is quietly living large but choosing not to display their wealth on social media or in public spaces.
Can we Define Middle Class?
While there is no universally agreed-upon definition for the middle-income class, various organizations have proposed different criteria. For instance, the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) classifies individuals with daily earnings ranging from US $10 to US $100 as belonging to the middle-income bracket.
On the other hand, The People Research on India's Consumer Economy (PRICE) defines a middle-income household in India as one earning between Rs. 5 lakh and Rs. 30 lakh annually, based on 2020-21 prices. These individuals typically belong to socio-cultural groups that enjoy economic stability with a low risk of falling into poverty or vulnerability.
Beyond the Numbers: A New Social Class
Perhaps the most significant takeaway from the Reddit post is how the notion of class has evolved. In an era of skyrocketing costs, the concept of middle class is becoming less about numbers and more about personal perception. What used to define someone as middle class—modest income, small house, and conservative spending—now appears less rigid, with families of ₹7 crore net worth living the life of humble citizens.
At the same time, India’s growing wealth gap means that a new, ultra-wealthy class is emerging, with luxury living becoming the new norm for those with more than just a few crores in the bank. It’s no longer about grand displays of wealth, but rather about quiet comfort and financial security.
As the debate continues, it’s clear that social class in India is no longer defined by rigid parameters of income and assets. In today’s world, perhaps it’s time to redefine what it really means to be middle class—one that acknowledges the complexity of wealth, lifestyle, and personal outlook in a rapidly changing economy.
A Question That Raises Eyebrows
The conversation started when a Reddit user shared a seemingly casual chat with a friend, revealing that this friend considered himself "middle class" despite having a family net worth of ₹7 crore and a monthly income of ₹3.5 lakhs. The friend’s household comprises just three people. The post immediately went viral, triggering a flood of opinions from users who began questioning the relevance of traditional social class distinctions in a rapidly changing economic environment.
"Apparently ₹7Cr net worth is middle class now. Did I miss the memo?" the post's title boldly asked, raising a critical question: Are the lines between middle class and upper class becoming increasingly blurry?
Is the Definition of 'Middle Class' Changing?
For years, the middle class in India has been generally defined by modest earnings, stable jobs, and a lifestyle that prioritizes savings over extravagance. But, as inflation pushes costs higher across all sectors—food, education, healthcare, and housing—many are starting to rethink what it truly means to be middle class. Is it just about income? Or does lifestyle play a crucial role in defining where you stand in the social hierarchy?
In a tier-1 city like Delhi, Mumbai, or Bengaluru, a ₹7 crore net worth with a monthly income of ₹3.5 lakhs would seem like a fortune to most. Yet, according to the Reddit user, the friend in question considers this "middle class" living. It begs the question: Are wealthy families simply downplaying their prosperity to fit in or avoid the label of being "rich"?
The Redditors Weigh In: Why Does 'Class' Matter?
As the post gained traction, users flooded the comment section with their opinions. One user shared a philosophical take, saying, "Unless you are famous, no one will remember you existed, two generations down the family tree or maybe three. Live a content life, and that's all that matters." For them, the issue isn't about being categorized into a specific social class but about living with contentment.
Others offered a more cynical view, claiming, "Everyone thinks they are middle class." It’s a sentiment that resonates with many Indians who, despite enjoying comforts that would be considered luxurious by previous standards, still hesitate to classify themselves as wealthy. For many, the mindset of "humble living" prevails, even when their financial standing says otherwise.
Another comment read, "Why does it matter what class it belongs to? ₹7Cr net worth will afford you a certain lifestyle. If someone starts categorizing it as first class, nothing changes. If a new report suddenly categorizes it as lower middle class, you're still living the same lifestyle." The commenter made a valid point: the label of 'class' doesn't fundamentally alter the quality of life. In fact, class distinctions may just serve as a social construct for status comparison rather than a reflection of reality.
The Humble Rich: Is Modesty the New Wealth?
One user brought in a refreshing perspective, stating, "Honestly, that is middle class. I see many relatives with 10Cr+ net worth (sometimes a big portion of it is liquid too) and they live a very modest life." This remark underscores an emerging trend among India’s rich: a preference for understated wealth. High-end cars and bikes, expensive properties, and luxurious vacations are no longer the primary indicators of prosperity. Instead, many prefer to live in ways that don’t scream opulence.
In fact, many wealthy individuals prefer to invest their money in assets that secure their future, such as real estate or stocks, while leading lives that could be easily mistaken for middle-class modesty. The new definition of "rich" in India might just be someone who is quietly living large but choosing not to display their wealth on social media or in public spaces.
Can we Define Middle Class?
While there is no universally agreed-upon definition for the middle-income class, various organizations have proposed different criteria. For instance, the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) classifies individuals with daily earnings ranging from US $10 to US $100 as belonging to the middle-income bracket.
On the other hand, The People Research on India's Consumer Economy (PRICE) defines a middle-income household in India as one earning between Rs. 5 lakh and Rs. 30 lakh annually, based on 2020-21 prices. These individuals typically belong to socio-cultural groups that enjoy economic stability with a low risk of falling into poverty or vulnerability.
Beyond the Numbers: A New Social Class
Perhaps the most significant takeaway from the Reddit post is how the notion of class has evolved. In an era of skyrocketing costs, the concept of middle class is becoming less about numbers and more about personal perception. What used to define someone as middle class—modest income, small house, and conservative spending—now appears less rigid, with families of ₹7 crore net worth living the life of humble citizens.
At the same time, India’s growing wealth gap means that a new, ultra-wealthy class is emerging, with luxury living becoming the new norm for those with more than just a few crores in the bank. It’s no longer about grand displays of wealth, but rather about quiet comfort and financial security.
As the debate continues, it’s clear that social class in India is no longer defined by rigid parameters of income and assets. In today’s world, perhaps it’s time to redefine what it really means to be middle class—one that acknowledges the complexity of wealth, lifestyle, and personal outlook in a rapidly changing economy.
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