White-Collar Workers Join Democratic Socialists

The definition of the working class in America is evolving, with economic anxiety increasingly outweighing traditional metrics like income and education, according to a recent analysis of Democratic Socialists of America (DSA) membership. A survey of DSA members indicated that white-collar workers constituted 13% of the membership in the most recent data, a notable increase from 3% in 2013, though down from a peak of 21% in 2017. More significantly, individuals working in the tech sector represented 9% of DSA members in 2021, a figure that surpasses the percentage of blue-collar workers, who accounted for just 4% of members in the same year. These trends suggest a broadening demographic within socialist organizations.

Further data from the survey highlights the changing composition of the membership. While more than 80% of respondents aged 25 and older held bachelor's degrees, a substantial portion also reported lower household incomes. Specifically, 45% of respondents had household incomes below $60,000, while 28% earned $100,000 or more. This income disparity, coupled with high educational attainment, complicates traditional notions of class identity. The survey also noted that service sector workers, including those in retail and food service, made up 6% of members in 2021, up from 2% in 2013, indicating growth in other non-traditional white-collar areas.

The rise in white-collar and tech workers joining socialist organizations coincides with growing skepticism towards capitalism. A Wall Street Journal survey found that 51% of Americans believe capitalism is not working well or not working at all, an increase from 37% in 2015. This sentiment is fueled by economic events such as the Great Recession, the subsequent bank bailouts, and the current high cost of living that erodes wage gains. The recent surge in AI development, which began in late 2022, has also contributed to economic uncertainty, with numerous tech companies announcing layoffs and a reduction in entry-level job opportunities, further impacting the perception of economic stability within the tech sector.