Brandeis University Study Demonstrates the Fragility of the Black Middle Class

A new report from the Institute for Assets and Social Policy at Brandeis University and the policy center Demos has found that for many blacks in the middle class, their economic situation is extremely fragile. In fact, according to the study, only 26 percent of black middle-class families have the assets, income, and education level to have a solid position above the poverty level. A full third of black middle-class families are at high risk of losing their middle-class status.

The study found that 95 percent of all black middle-class families do not have the assets to meet three quarters of their essential living expenses for three months should their sources of income be disrupted.

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