During the 1980s, many middle and working-class Americans fa…
During the 1980s, many middle and working-class Americans faced serious financial setbacks. One major cause was the decline in industrial jobs. The U.S. economy shifted away from manufacturing goods and moved toward providing services. Many factory jobs, especially in the steel and auto industries, were relocated to countries with lower labor costs. As a result, millions of blue-collar workers in the Midwest and Northeast lost stable employment. Many had to take lower-paying jobs that offered fewer benefits and limited chances for advancement.