The idea of being “middle class” during the 1970s and 1980s was entirely different from today. You didn’t need fancy cars or designer clothes. It was all about the little things that made life comfortable and steady. Some items or habits just quietly said, “We’re doing alright.” You weren’t necessarily rich, but you had what you needed, and maybe a few nice-to-haves, too.
So here are 11 things that totally meant you were middle class back then. If you remember them, you probably had a pretty nice childhood.
Featured Image Credit: ArturVerkhovetskiy /Depositphotos.com.
Family Photos at a Studio (with Matching Outfits)
If you’ve got a framed photo of your whole family in matching turtlenecks or denim jackets, you were solidly middle class. Getting dressed up and going to Sears or Olan Mills for a “professional” photo was a big deal — and the proof is still hanging on your parents’ wall.
Having a Color TV (With a Remote!)
A color TV was a big deal — and especially if it wasn’t the one your uncle gave you when he upgraded. If it had a remote control (the kind you didn’t have to click 10 times or bash on the side to get it to work), you were living the good life. Bonus points if it was perched on a massive wooden console like it was part of the furniture.
A Freezer Full of TV Dinners
Hungry-Man, Swanson, Banquet — if you had a full stash of these frozen dinners in your freezer, your family was all about convenience and comfort. Sitting on the floor eating salisbury steak in front of Wheel of Fortune or Dallas? That was peak middle-class family bonding.
Wall-to-Wall Carpeting
Shag carpet in mustard yellow or avocado green? Very fancy. If you had carpeted bedrooms, hallways, even bathrooms, it was a sign your family had “made it”. Hardwood floors were old and cold. You vacuumed constantly, and heaven help the kid who spilled grape Kool-Aid.
A Full Set of Encyclopedias
If you had a full bookshelf full of World Book or Encyclopaedia Britannica, you were definitely middle class. You probably even had the “Yearbook” volumes to keep the info updated. They were expensive, heavy, and nobody read them for fun — but when school projects came around, they saved the day.
Central Heating and Air Conditioning
Having vents in every room that actually worked? That was a quiet but powerful flex. No space heaters, no box fans shoved in the window — just that magical thermostat on the wall. If you had central air in the summer, people knew you were doing alright.
A Cordless Phone or Two-Line Landline
Cordless phones were high-tech. No more getting tangled in the cord while talking to your best friend for an hour. And if your house had two lines? That was serious business. It meant your teenager could talk without blocking the main phone — which was a very big deal back then.
Going to a Sit-Down Restaurant (Not Just Fast Food)
Sure, McDonald’s was fun, but if you went to a place where you actually got menus and had to wait for your food, you felt fancy. We’re talking about a place like Red Lobster, Pizza Hut with the salad bar, Sizzler. It wasn’t a 5-star meal, but it meant your parents had a little budget for a night out.
Having a Camcorder or VCR
These were expensive when they first came out, and not every family had one. If your dad showed up at your school play with a giant camcorder on his shoulder, you were living the VHS dream. And if you had a VCR at home? You could rent movies and watch them again and again — no more waiting for TV reruns.
Decorating with Matching Furniture Sets
If your living room had a matching couch, loveseat, and maybe even a recliner, your parents probably bought it new — and probably financed it at a furniture store. The same with the dining room: full sets with matching chairs and tablecloths shouted “middle class and proud.”
Taking a Summer Road Trip
You didn’t fly. Flying was for rich people. You drove cross-country in your station wagon or minivan. You stayed at motels with pools, ate sandwiches out of the cooler, and posed in front of random attractions. It didn’t cost much, but it felt like an adventure.
Disclaimer: This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.
Like our content? Be sure to follow us.
Read More:
