In recent years, the notion that ‘the American middle class is disappearing’ has gained widespread attention, with the concept of a ‘squeezing line’—sometimes called a ‘killing line’—becoming increasingly popular. This term describes how rising living costs, stagnant wages, and growing wealth inequality are pushing formerly middle-class households down into lower-income brackets, making it difficult to sustain their previous standard of living. Data shows that the share of middle-income households in the U.S. has declined from 61% in the 1970s to around 50% today, while both high- and low-income groups have grown. Key expenses like housing, education, and healthcare have surged, yet wages for most working Americans have barely kept pace, intensifying financial stress. Additionally, automation and globalization have eroded stability in traditional middle-class jobs, such as manufacturing. However, some scholars note that many families still maintain middle-class status through dual incomes, asset appreciation (e.g., home equity), or gig economy opportunities. Thus, while the ‘squeezing line’ isn’t an inevitable fate for all, it does reflect real structural economic pressures increasingly challenging the American middle class.
近年来，‘美国中产阶级正在消失’的说法广为流传，其中‘斩杀线’（或称‘挤压线’）成为一个热门概念。所谓‘斩杀线’，指的是由于生活成本飙升、工资增长停滞以及财富分配不均，原本属于中产阶级的家庭难以维持原有生活水平，被迫滑向低收入阶层的现象。数据显示，1970年代至今，美国中产家庭占比从61%下降至约50%，而高收入和低收入群体比例则同步上升。住房、教育、医疗等关键支出大幅上涨，但多数普通工薪阶层的薪资并未同步增长，导致财务压力剧增。此外，自动化与全球化也削弱了传统中产岗位（如制造业）的稳定性。不过，也有学者指出，部分家庭通过双职工模式、资产增值（如房产）或灵活就业等方式仍能维持中产地位。因此，‘斩杀线’虽非绝对命运，却真实反映了结构性经济变迁对中产阶层的持续冲击。
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