Here's why:
* Not Elite: They weren't wealthy landowners or high-ranking officials like those in the upper class (peninsulares or criollos).
* Skilled Labor: Their trades required skill and training, placing them above the lower class (indigenous people, enslaved Africans, and those in menial labor).
* Economic Independence: They were generally self-employed or worked in small businesses, providing for themselves and their families.
* Social Mobility: While their social standing wasn't as high as the elite, they had some potential for upward mobility through hard work and success in their trade.
Important Note: It's crucial to understand that colonial societies were complex and rigid. While these skilled workers generally belonged to the middle class, their specific social standing could vary based on:
* Their ethnicity: A mestizo carpenter might have a different social standing than a European-born one.
* Their wealth and success: A highly skilled and successful tailor could be quite wealthy and influential, elevating their social standing.
* Location: In different colonial regions, the social structure and hierarchies could vary.
Overall, carpenters, tailors, and bakers were integral members of colonial society, contributing to the economy and fulfilling vital roles. They held a position somewhere between the elite and the lower classes, contributing to the diverse social landscape of the Spanish colonies.