April 1983 Issue [Article] Americans in limbo Download PDF Adjust Share They're not the "new poor"--yet--but they're losing their grip on the middle class. Downward mobility--the most important sociological development of the 1980s. by Michael Harrington, This article is only available as a PDF to subscribers. Download PDF Tags 20th century Charities Iron and steel workers Labor unions Monongahela River Valley Monongahela River Valley (Pa.) Pennsylvania Public welfare Social conditions Social mobility More from Michael Harrington Group calling Police dog and stripes Cowboys in the clearing Adjust Share