The rise of white-collar socialists: ‘A lot of tech workers are working class’

A survey of Democratic Socialists of America (DSA) members shows growing representation of white-collar and tech-sector workers, with 13% and 9% respectively in 2021. Political gains for democratic socialists, like Zohran Mamdani's mayoral win, and rising skepticism of capitalism (51% in a 2023 Wall Street Journal survey) highlight shifting attitudes. Tech layoffs and economic anxiety, including a 5.6% unemployment rate for recent college graduates in March 2026, are cited as drivers.