the middle class odyssey

http://www.americanprogress.org/issues/2012/05/middle_class_economy.html

inequality and ...

The level of human capital and whether talent is encouraged to boost the economy’s productivity

Cost of and access to financial capital, which allow firms and entrepreneurs to make real investments that create technological progress to use in the economy

Strong and stable demand, which creates the market for goods and services and allows investors to plan for the future

The quality of political and economic institutions, including the quality of corporate governance as well as political institutions and a legal structure that enforces contracts

Investment in public goods, education, health, and infrastructure, which lays the foundation for private-sector investment

the middle income class makes it happen

A strong middle class promotes the development of human capital and a well-educated population.

A strong middle class creates a stable source of demand for goods and services.

A strong middle class incubates the next generation of entrepreneurs.

A strong middle class supports inclusive political and economic institutions, which underpin economic growth

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this effort covers lots of ground....read it  all !  (~50 pages) 
                                                                     
"The American Middle Class, Income Inequality,
 and the Strength of Our Economy"
Heather Boushey, Adam Hersh