Brazilian Middle Class Surpasses 50% for First Time Since 2015

By Iolanda Fonseca
January 6, 2025

A recent study by Tendências Consultoria unveils a substantial transformation in Brazil’s socioeconomic structure during Lula’s administration. For the first time since 2015, the middle class has become the dominant force in the country’s households.

The study estimates that 50.1% of Brazilian households earned over R$3,400 ($550) monthly in 2024. This marks a crucial milestone as classes A, B, and C combined now represent the majority of the sample content.

This surge in middle-class dominance stems from the Lula administration’s income transfer policies. The Bolsa Família program and above-inflation minimum wage increases have played pivotal roles in this transformation.

The welfare state in Brazil has grown substantially. In 2024, the main social benefits from federal and state transfers amounted to at least R$397 billion ($650 million) annually.

More:
https://www.riotimesonline.com/brazilian-middle-class-surpasses-50-for-first-time-since-2015/