London:
Britain's Hindu and Sikh communities with high education levels, jobs and house ownership are increasingly likely to be classified as 'Middle Britons', wide-ranging research says.
It was found that 'long-established' Hindu and Sikh families now have an above average likelihood of being classed 'Middle Britons'.
They are now being categorised as part of the country's middle-class, according to a survey that also revealed the changing societal lifestyles.
The surprising focus on Hindu and Sikh communities is part of the lifestyle of a typical middle-class Briton revealed in the research by credit rating company Experian, the Daily Mail reported.
The researchers examined nationwide data ranging from income and housing type to favourite internet sites and shopping habits.
It identified over 400 social and economic factors to define middle-class Britain and produced a detailed picture of the country's largest group, accounting for 13.1 million people, or one in five of the population.
The middle class has an average annual household income of 47,300 pounds, which is 10 per cent higher than the national average.
However, the people who took part in the survey said they were worried about meeting mortgage payments, rising bills, reduced pension values and whether their children could afford to get on to the housing ladder.
Less than a third said they were "financially comfortable".
The middle class' expenditures were higher than the national average because of increased income tax and mortgage commitments.
Data about spending habits showed the average household spent 610 pounds per week on bills and shopping, with transport and groceries being the biggest expenditure.
The average middle class Briton is aged 36 to 45, and 40 per cent have children, compared to a national average of 28 per cent.
A majority own homes - 87 per cent compared to the national average of 67 per cent.
Around 88.5 per cent have a garden in their home. While just over half said they were happy with their standard of living, 57 per cent said they struggled to find enough time and juggled work and family life.
Middle class Britons are more likely to spend money on computers, technology and other gadgets, including high-definition television.
It was found that 'long-established' Hindu and Sikh families now have an above average likelihood of being classed 'Middle Britons'.
They are now being categorised as part of the country's middle-class, according to a survey that also revealed the changing societal lifestyles.
The surprising focus on Hindu and Sikh communities is part of the lifestyle of a typical middle-class Briton revealed in the research by credit rating company Experian, the Daily Mail reported.
The researchers examined nationwide data ranging from income and housing type to favourite internet sites and shopping habits.
It identified over 400 social and economic factors to define middle-class Britain and produced a detailed picture of the country's largest group, accounting for 13.1 million people, or one in five of the population.
The middle class has an average annual household income of 47,300 pounds, which is 10 per cent higher than the national average.
However, the people who took part in the survey said they were worried about meeting mortgage payments, rising bills, reduced pension values and whether their children could afford to get on to the housing ladder.
Less than a third said they were "financially comfortable".
The middle class' expenditures were higher than the national average because of increased income tax and mortgage commitments.
Data about spending habits showed the average household spent 610 pounds per week on bills and shopping, with transport and groceries being the biggest expenditure.
The average middle class Briton is aged 36 to 45, and 40 per cent have children, compared to a national average of 28 per cent.
A majority own homes - 87 per cent compared to the national average of 67 per cent.
Around 88.5 per cent have a garden in their home. While just over half said they were happy with their standard of living, 57 per cent said they struggled to find enough time and juggled work and family life.
Middle class Britons are more likely to spend money on computers, technology and other gadgets, including high-definition television.
Track Latest News Live on NDTV.com and get news updates from India and around the world
