Gap Between Upper Class and Upper Middle Class Grows, Study Shows
The gap between upper class and upper middle class increased between 1988 and 2004, according to a study published yesterday by the Academia de Centroamérica.

The study titled - Evolución de las clases sociales en Costa Rica, con especial referencia a la situación de la clase media (1988 y 2004) - shows that the average increase of income between upper and middle class doubled (164% against 80%) during the period.

According to sociologist, Mylena Vega, author of the study, though the upper middle class workers bettered their situation, the lagging behind the upper class can make them feel like they are fading in the context of the increase in the inequality in the country.

The years of education appeared not to make the difference, as both classes has an average 15 years of education, however, Vega says, that speaking a second language and studying abroad can be interpreted as making the difference or at least played a major role.

Vega added that though the gap between upper class and upper middle class incomes grew, both groups distanced the lower classes, which contributed to an increase of inequality.

For the study, Vega defined the types of workers in each classs.

For example, the upper class included owners, executives and directors or large companies, while the upper middle class was divided in three groups: upper, which included professionals and mid sized business owners; middle, which included technicians, mid level professionals; and, lower, which included administrative employees and skilled workers, like electricians and unskilled workers.

To complete the study, figures from workers contained in the Encuestas Nacionales de Ingresos y Gastos de 1988 y el 2004 were taken and applied to the different groups.

In addition, within each class there is has been a positive adjustment. In the upper class, some passed from executives of large companies to owners of large companies; in the upper middle class groups, some moved from administrative to professional jobs and non skilled workers to become skilled workers.