The Rise of the Middle Class in Jordan

related to nature, dynamics and processes of social in simple and complex societies. Most of literature which has appeared during past two decades covers studies made in developed societies of United States of America, England, and Europe. Little attention is given to such studies treating social in developing countries in general and Middle Eastern region in particular, in spite of fact that societies in these countries have witnessed in recent time many socio-economic changes which have in turn influenced traditional social structure and organization directly or indirectly. As a result of these changes a new configuration known as the middle class has emerged, and it is significant that it exists and operates in an environment charged with traditional norms and value systems. The purpose of this paper1 is to discuss eharacteristics and role of new social stratum, middle class, which has come into being in transitional society of Jordan. Special attention will be given to a potentially growing segment within middle class, called Al-Muthaqafoun, meaning educated or intellectual. In treating this topic it would be useful to provide a brief description of traditional as well as present structure and organization of Jordanian society. The paper will then focus on characteristics of middle class, factors contributing to rise of middle class, statistical data on characteristics of this class, role of new class, and problems encountered in its orgrnization and function. A brief evaluation will be provided in conclusion. For purpose of this paper following definition of social based, on one by Sorokin (1966: 567-68), will be used :