Business · Economy · 10 hrs ago
More than half of Italians place themselves below the middle class
A majority of surveyed Italians see themselves below the middle class, according to an Ipsos study for Legacoop, an Italian cooperative organisation.
The survey found that 34% describe themselves as middle class in decline, while 37% identify as middle class.
Nearly seven in 10 feel more financially fragile than five years ago, and 39% say their pay does not cover the cost of living.
These pressures lead some households to struggle to reach the end of the month or to put off necessary spending.
One in four has skipped medical or dental care for financial reasons, rising to 57% among people who identify with the popular class.
Many have also delayed home or car repairs, and only one in four respondents said their housing felt stable and secure.
The findings describe how rising financial strain is affecting people’s sense of social position and their ability to manage essential costs; no next steps are given.
An Ipsos survey for Legacoop found that 54% of respondents in Italy place themselves below the middle class.
The survey found that 34% identify as part of a middle class in decline, while 37% identify with the middle class.
One in four respondents said they had fallen on the social scale, while 7% said their position had improved.
Some 68% said they felt economically more fragile than five years ago.
The survey also found that 26% had forgone medical or dental care for financial reasons.
- Who
- Italians interviewed in an Ipsos survey for Legacoop.
- What
- The survey found that 54% place themselves below the middle class.
- When
- The article was published on 21 October 2026. The survey date is not stated.
- Where
- Italy.
- Why
- The survey examined contemporary poverty and people’s perceptions of their economic and social position.
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- Survey
- Ipsos for Legacoop
- Below the middle class
- 54% of respondents
- Middle class in decline
- 34% of respondents
- Felt more economically fragile than five years earlier
- 68% of respondents
- Forgone medical or dental care for financial reasons
- 26% of respondents