Except that, at least in the US, even factory workers could arguably be considered middle class. They could buy/build a decent home in a safe neighborhood, had

Except that, at least in the US, even factory workers could arguably be considered middle class. They could buy/build a decent home in a safe neighborhood, had decent health care, good schools for their kids, disposable income for leisure. Now, every single fucking productivity gain is going for the finance overlords.