The individuals who are primarily high-income business people and professionals belong to the upper middle class. This group typically includes individuals with substantial wealth, often deriving from successful careers, investments, or business ventures. They have higher levels of income and tend to enjoy a comfortable lifestyle with access to more resources and opportunities compared to the middle or working classes.
In contrast:
- The lower middle class generally consists of individuals who have modest incomes and may work in clerical, administrative, or skilled labor positions.
- The working class includes individuals who typically work in manual labor or service industry jobs and earn wages rather than salaries.
- The working poor are individuals who work in low-paying jobs and struggle to make ends meet financially despite being employed.
Therefore, in the context of the question, the best answer is:
b. upper middle class
