Daily Times

The ‘middle class’ is one of the most commonly used terms in society. Despite its frequent use there is, however, no consensus on what the term exactly implies and its meaning remains ambiguous depending primarily on the context in which it is used. It is viewed as the class that is between, and separates, the lower and the upper classes, that is the rich and the poor, but there is no agreement on the exact boundaries that separates them.

Most of the definitions and measurements of the middle class continue to be somewhat arbitrary and vague. According to some economists and scholars, the middle class in Pakistan is often defined as households earning between Rs 250,000 to Rs one million per month. Some scholars and sociologists broaden the concept of the middle class to include anyone within the working class who earns a wage or salary. Ultimately, multiple factors – including income, occupation, education, and lifestyle – must be considered to better understand the middle class in Pakistan. The middle class in Pakistan, despite being the backbone of the country’s economy, often finds itself stuck in a complex net of socio-economic pressures and financial challenges. While they may appear to live a comfortable life, many middle-class families face a constant struggle between maintaining a desired lifestyle and managing their financial realities.

The desire to keep up with social expectations, influenced by modern consumer culture, often leads to decisions that create long-term financial instability. From the obsession with high-end gadgets to the pressures of hosting lavish weddings, the middle class in Pakistan is increasingly finding itself trapped in cycles of unsustainable spending, debt, and financial stress.

The middle class, despite being the backbone of the country, often finds itself stuck in a complex net of socioeconomic pressures.

One of the key issues faced by the middle class in Pakistan is its tendency to become brand-oriented. In a society that places a premium on outward appearances, owning branded products, from clothing to electronics, has become synonymous with success. For many, purchasing items like the latest smartphones or luxury cars is not merely about utility, but about status and social identity. Among these items, the iPhone stands out as a symbol of modernity and affluence. The desire to own an iPhone, for instance, is driven less by its functionality and more by the social image it projects. However, this obsession with brand names often leads to financial problems. With limited disposable income, many middle-class families resort to taking loans, using credit cards, or even sacrificing their savings to make such purchases. In the process, they may end up spending money they don’t have and putting themselves into debt – a situation that is all too common in today’s middle-class lifestyle. Instead of saving or investing in more essential needs, families find themselves caught in a cycle of consumption that leaves them financially unstable.

Perhaps one of the most significant financial strains on middle-class families in Pakistan is the wedding industry, which has become a source of both social pride and financial distress. In Pakistani culture, weddings are not just about union but are seen as an event that reflects the family’s social status. The pressure to host an extravagant celebration, complete with expensive venues, elaborate decorations, designer clothes, and a grand guest list, is immense. In many cases, the cost of a wedding can run into millions of rupees, pushing families into deep debt.

The desire to meet societal expectations often leads families to overextend themselves financially, despite not having the resources to do so. Loans, credit cards, and borrowed money from friends or relatives are commonly used to fund wedding expenses. This trend, where appearance takes precedence over practicality, has become so pervasive that it has now become nearly impossible for a middle-class family to imagine a simple, budget-friendly wedding without facing ridicule or criticism.

The aftermath of these lavish celebrations often leaves families in financial turmoil, with debt lingering long after the festivities have ended. The emotional and psychological toll of this financial strain can be profound, as individuals experience stress, anxiety, and feelings of inadequacy when they are unable to recover from the financial burden.

Another factor contributing to financial strain is the increasing pressure on the middle class to maintain a lifestyle of frequent leisure travel, particularly to popular tourist destinations. In recent years, trips to places like Murree, Naran, and Hunza have become an annual norm for many middle-class families. While travel can offer a much-needed break and a sense of luxury, the costs associated with these trips – from transportation to accommodation, food, and activities – often exceed what families can afford.

The desire to go on these trips is often driven by the need to keep up with peers, who may flaunt their vacations on social media, creating a sense of pressure to also travel and post similar experiences. However, many families resort to taking loans or using credit cards to finance these trips, even though they are already living paycheck to paycheck. After the trip, the financial strain can be overwhelming, and families often feel depressed or stressed when faced with mounting debt.

The growing trend of living beyond one’s means is perhaps the most troubling aspect of middle-class financial habits. With the easy availability of credit cards and personal loans, many middle-class individuals are spending money they haven’t yet earned. The allure of instant gratification, whether it’s a new gadget, a designer outfit, or a fancy restaurant meal, can be devastating. Credit cards and loans, while offering the promise of immediate access to funds, often lead to high-interest debts that accumulate quickly.

This phenomenon is not just limited to consumption but also extends to lifestyle choices, where people spend on luxuries or activities they cannot afford, just to keep up with societal trends. Over time, this pattern of overspending and borrowing can create a dangerous cycle of debt, leaving families in a constant struggle to pay off what they owe. The pressure to maintain an image or meet societal expectations can have long-lasting consequences on financial well-being, with many individuals finding themselves trapped in a web of debt and financial instability.

The solution to the financial challenges faced by the middle class in Pakistan lies in promoting financial literacy and encouraging a shift in societal values. First and foremost, middle-class families need to prioritize needs over wants and focus on long-term financial stability rather than short-term gratification. Educating individuals on budgeting, saving, and investing can help them make more informed decisions about their spending.

Also, the rise of consumerism fueled by societal pressures can be mitigated by cultivating a culture that values simplicity and savings over outward appearances. The government and financial institutions can also play a role by offering affordable credit options, while also ensuring that interest rates and terms are reasonable, preventing the accumulation of unsustainable debt.

Lastly, families should adopt a more balanced approach to events like weddings and travel, focusing on affordable, meaningful experiences rather than excessive spending. By making these conscious changes, the middle class can build a more secure financial future and reduce the stress that often accompanies living beyond their means.

The writer is a PhD scholar and author of various books on international relations, criminology and gender studies. He can be reached at fastian.mentor@gmail.com