The urban middle class: professional and economic indicators of a lifestyle

The article discusses the problems of the middle class categorization. The theoretical approaches to the middle class description and stratification parameters of the lifestyle are considered. The author presents the empirical research results dealing with the professional and economic indicators. It is noted, that the middle class representatives have a specific attitude to work (instrumental and terminal value of work). The paper describes gender differences in the income levels and the use of additional resources for the improvement of financial situation.