The article gives a definition of what they mean by middle class in absolute terms: - being able to afford durable goods such as motorcycles and washing machin

The article gives a definition of what they mean by middle class in absolute terms: - being able to afford durable goods such as motorcycles and washing machines - not having to fear extreme poverty due to illness or unemployment right away In many developed nations, this definition would comprise a large majority of the population, and some people who would be considered poor on relative terms there (i.e. make less than half the average income) would comfortably fit into this definition of a global middle class.