FORTUNE: America’s working class barely scrapes by. An outdated image of them doesn’t help
In the wake of the 2024 election, the dominant image of America’s “working class” as hard-hat-wearing factory workers is increasingly outdated. Two-thirds of working-class Americans without a four-year degree are employed in service industries like healthcare, retail, and hospitality, where their unique challenges—including low pay, unpredictable schedules, and limited career advancement—often go unmet. While policymakers focus on reviving manufacturing, millions of service workers struggle with wage stagnation, a lack of workplace voice, and barriers to unionization. Apprenticeships could offer a promising pathway to advancement, but outdated perceptions have slowed their adoption in service sectors. Addressing these issues is critical to supporting America’s true working class.