Full Breakdown
White-Collar Workers Embrace Working-Class Identity Amid Rising Economic Anxiety
7/12/2026, 12:28:17 PM
Changing Composition of DSA Membership
A recent Democratic Socialists of America (DSA) survey shows white-collar members rose to 13% in 2021, down from 21% in 2017 but up from 3% in 2013. Tech-sector members accounted for 9% in 2021, while blue-collar representation was only 4% that year, a modest increase from 2% in 2013. Retail, food and service workers grew to 6% in 2021 from 2% in 2013. More than 80% of respondents aged 25 or older hold bachelor’s degrees; 45% report household incomes below $60,000, yet 28% earn $100,000 or more.
Growing Financial Strain Among High Earners
A Harris Poll survey of six-figure earners found 64% view their income as merely the “bare minimum for staying afloat.” To cope, 61% pursue side hustles, 53% sell personal items, 41% skip meals or rent out part of their home, and 38% consider debt consolidation or bankruptcy. Libby Rodney, chief strategy officer of Harris Poll, said the data reveal “even high earners are financially anxious—they’re living the illusion of affluence while privately juggling credit cards, debt, and survival strategies.”
Tech Layoffs and Graduate Unemployment Amplify Insecurity
New York Fed data show the unemployment rate for recent college graduates rose to 5.6% in March 2026, above the overall 4.2% jobless rate. Consulting firm Challenger, Gray & Christmas reported the U.S. tech sector shed roughly 140,000 workers in 2026, with May’s loss of 38,242 the highest monthly total since August 2024.
Official Perspectives
Gustavo Gordillo, co-leader of DSA’s New York City chapter, told the New York Times that members join to avoid feeling powerless amid economic struggles and that “a lot of tech workers are working class.” He added the organization aims to “build a broad movement—we think of most DSA members as being working class.”
Verbatim Quotes
- “A lot of tech workers are working class,” — Gustavo Gordillo, DSA New York City co-leader
- “We’re trying to build a broad movement—we think of most DSA members as being working class.” — Gustavo Gordillo
- “Our data shows that even high earners are financially anxious—they’re living the illusion of affluence while privately juggling credit cards, debt, and survival strategies,” — Libby Rodney, Harris Poll chief strategy officer
- “But the bottom line is the professional class is increasingly unemployed or worried about being jobless.” — Fortune article author (paraphrased from source)
- “A Wall Street Journal survey found 51% said capitalism wasn’t working well or not working at all, up from 37% in 2015.” — Wall Street Journal survey cited in Fortune article
