Why do people in the US today consider themselves to be part of the middle class?

Many people in the U.S. consider themselves part of the middle class due to a combination of economic expectations, lifestyle aspirations, and social identity. The middle class is often associated with financial stability, home ownership, and access to education and healthcare, which many strive to achieve. Additionally, cultural narratives and media representations reinforce the idea of a broad middle class, leading individuals to identify with it regardless of their actual economic status. This self-identification can also serve as a means of fostering a sense of belonging and shared values within society.