The middle is being squeezed –can it recover?

From class to politics to business, the middle was linked to stability - now things are less predictable

There was a time when many regarded being in the middle of the distribution - socially, politically, and in the business world - as a favourable, stabilising, and desirable outcome. From the anchoring role in society of the middle class to the agility and resilience of mid-size firms, the middle was seen as consistent with both individual and collective wellbeing. Yet, in recent years, the middle has become less stable, less predictable, and more elusive, and its primacy - in economics, politics, business, asset management, and even sports - has become increasingly unsustainable.

Driven by structural changes, as well as lagging business and policy responses, the middle has been eroded - or is at risk - almost everywhere you look. Should this trend continue - which is subject to some debate - the implications would be far-reaching.