The Centrality of Middle Class

As the need for economic growth takes a salient role in the political discourse of society’s welfare and progress, the middle class, as a social grouping existing within socioeconomic structures, has a multiplier effect – politically and culturally. The middle class serves a vital role in supporting a country’s growth through stimulating economic development and promoting a politically engaged society. By examining Vietnam and Serbia as ideologically attuned countries which differ in economic development, the author draws on functionalist, dimensional paradigms to underline how critical the rise of middle class is in understanding the political stability of modern societies before concluding that society’s sub-social challenges and cultural determinants do affect the course of development and growth. This comprehensive study will appeal to social scientists with interests in political stability, ideological states and development narratives.