Dissertation Title: THE MIDDLE CLASS IN ALBANIA: ITS MEASUREMENT, STRUCTURE AND DYNAMICS

• Author: Blerina Gjaci (Lesi)

• Institution: University of Tirana,  Faculty of Economics, Department of Economics

• Field of study: Economics

• Publication date: 15.06.2026

• The dissertation is published in Albanian.

© Copyright: Blerina Gjaci (Lesi)

Published by the University of Tirana
Based on legal acts, regulations and policies of the UT

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Abstract

This study examines the middle class in Albania, analyzing how it is defined, measured, and the role it plays in economic and social stability. The analysis shows that this stratum remains relatively understudied, and that the lack of standard indicators makes its classification challenging. The results show that, despite limited improvements in income distribution and access to services, the middle class continues to be fragile, with many families facing economic insecurity and difficulties in meeting basic expenses.

Factors such as education, job stability and women's participation in the labor market are found to be crucial for its consolidation. The study also highlights that public policies have a key role: a progressive tax system, support for formal and vocational education, social housing and childcare can directly contribute to strengthening the middle class and improving living conditions.

In conclusion, to fully understand the dynamics of the middle class and to guarantee sustainable development, an approach that combines microeconomic and macroeconomic analysis is necessary, capturing both individual and structural factors that influence economic and social stability.

Field: Welfare economics and the public sector.

Keywords: Middle class, income distribution, education, employment, housing, public policy, middle class empowerment.

 

Abstract

This study examines the middle class in Albania, analyzing how it is defined, measured, and the role it plays in economic and social stability. The analysis reveals that this social stratum remains relatively under-researched, and the lack of standardized indicators makes its classification challenging. The findings show that, despite some limited improvements in income distribution and access to services, the middle class continues to be fragile, with many households facing economic insecurity and difficulties in meeting basic expenses.

Factors such as education, job stability, and women's participation in the labor market emerge as crucial for its consolidation. The study also highlights the key role of public policies: a progressive tax system, support for formal and vocational education, social housing, and childcare can directly contribute to strengthening the middle class and improving living conditions.

In conclusion, fully understanding the dynamics of the middle class and ensuring sustainable development requires an approach that combines both microeconomic and macroeconomic analysis, capturing the individual as well as structural factors that influence economic and social stability.

Field of study: Welfare and public sector economics.

Keywords: Middle class, Income distribution, Education, Employment, Housing, public policy, Strengthening the middle class.