The position of the middle class in the Azerbaijani economy and directions for its strengthening

This article examines the role of the middle class in socio-economic development, international approaches and the experience of Azerbaijan. The importance of income distribution, consumption opportunities, education and social mobility in the formation of the middle class is highlighted. The advantages of various models are compared based on the examples of the USA, Scandinavian countries and China, and Azerbaijan's position among upper-middle-income countries as a result of economic growth, oil revenues and public investments is examined. The article also evaluates social welfare policies, increasing the minimum wage and pensions, and expanding targeted social assistance programs as key factors in strengthening the middle class. Consequently, the protection and development of the middle class is of strategic importance for the sustainable socio- economic development of Azerbaijan.