A theory of the middle class: that it is not to be determined by its financial situation but rather by its relation to government. That is, one could shade down from an actual ruling or governing class to a class hopelessly out of relation to government, thinking of government as beyond its control, of itself as wholly controlled by government. Somewhere in between and In gradations is the group that has the sense that gov't exists for it, and shapes its consciousness accordingly.

Summary

This quote suggests that the middle class is not defined solely by its wealth, but rather by its relationship with the government. It suggests that there exists a continuum from the ruling or governing class, who have a significant control over the government, to a class that feels completely disconnected and powerless in relation to the government, perceiving themselves as completely controlled by it. In between these extremes lies the middle class, characterized by a sense that the government exists to serve their interests and shapes their consciousness accordingly. The quote highlights the importance of this unique dynamic in defining the middle class.

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