问答题
The middle classes have always been the defense wall
of society. {{U}} {{U}} 6 {{/U}} {{/U}}{{U}}Aristotle believed
they were democracy's secret weapon-the protectors of social values, the
moderators of political extremism, and believers in a society run by laws
instead of by strongmen.{{/U}} They have also been the engines of economic growth,
setting the stage centuries ago for the expansion of capitalism and global
trade, and continuing through the ages to snap up every new gadget in
sight. {{U}} {{U}} 7 {{/U}} {{/U}}{{U}}Now, with
the Western middle classes sinking into debt and distress, many economists look
to a new emerging-market middle class as the potential foundation for a new age
of global safety and prosperity.{{/U}} As large developing nations became more
prosperous, it was always assumed that they would become more like the suburbs
of Washington or London-liberal, democratic, market-friendly bastions not only
of Western-style consumerism but also of political liberty. With time and
wealth, "they" would become just like "us." The truth is that
"they" are not becoming just like "us." {{U}} {{U}} 8 {{/U}}
{{/U}}{{U}}The global middle class is rising faster than expected, in numbers and in
wealth, but converging incomes are not yielding shared values{{/U}}. The emerging
bourgeoisie is a patchwork of contradictions: clamorous but rarely
confrontational politically, supporters of globalization yet highly
nationalistic, proud of their nations' upward mobility yet insecure and fearful
they will fall back, fiercely individualistic but reliant on government
subsidies, and often socially conservative. Many of the aspiring elite seem
willing to let the powers that be-whether authoritarian governments or elected
ones-call the shots as long as they deliver the spoils of growth.
It's also worth remembering that the new middle classes are
psychologically driven by an odd mix of pride and insecurity. {{U}}
{{U}} 9 {{/U}} {{/U}}{{U}}Close to 30 percent of Brazil's new middle
class owes its livelihood to the informal market, where
income is irregular, safety nets are
nonexistent, and opportunity for entrepreneurship is limited{{/U}}.
Many have borrowed their way to higher living standards, one reason perhaps that
53 percent say they live in fear of unemployment, loss of income, or even
bankruptcy. They have benefited from the explosion of private schools but have
seen the overall quality of education plummet, eroding one of the classic
middle-class paths to social mobility. {{U}} {{U}} 10 {{/U}}
{{/U}}{{U}}Indeed, some development economists argue that the poor will be a greater
force for social change, but their ability to become a force for better
government, greater freedoms, less corruption, and more economic liberty is much
less certain.{{/U}} "They" have a very long way to go before becoming "us."