7.10 Classism and class-based discrimination

Classism, a form of prejudice based on social class, impacts society in profound ways. It manifests through stereotypes, discrimination, and institutional practices that favor certain class groups over others. Classism intersects with other forms of oppression, creating complex challenges for individuals from marginalized backgrounds.

Socioeconomic status (SES) is key to understanding classism. SES encompasses income, education, occupation, and wealth, influencing life outcomes and opportunities. Classism perpetuates inequality through media representation, political rhetoric, and societal norms, making it crucial to recognize and combat its various manifestations.

Defining classism

• Classism is a form of prejudice and discrimination based on an individual's social class or socioeconomic status
• It involves stereotyping, marginalizing, and treating people differently based on their perceived class or economic standing
• Classism can manifest in various ways, including attitudes, behaviors, and institutional practices that favor or disadvantage certain class groups

Prejudice and discrimination

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• Prejudice involves holding negative attitudes or beliefs about individuals based on their social class
• Discrimination refers to the unfair treatment of people based on their class, such as denying opportunities or resources
• Examples of class-based discrimination include hiring practices that favor candidates from elite universities or denying housing to low-income individuals

Stereotypes and myths

• Classism often relies on stereotypes and myths about different class groups
• Common stereotypes include the "welfare queen" (portraying low-income individuals as lazy and undeserving) and the "trust fund baby" (assuming all wealthy individuals inherit their money)
• These stereotypes oversimplify the complex realities of class and perpetuate harmful assumptions

Classism vs class-based discrimination

• While often used interchangeably, classism and class-based discrimination have distinct meanings
• Classism encompasses the broader attitudes, beliefs, and ideologies that support class-based inequality
• Class-based discrimination refers to the specific actions or policies that treat people differently based on their class
• Classism can lead to class-based discrimination, but not all instances of classism result in overt discriminatory actions

Socioeconomic status (SES)

• Socioeconomic status (SES) is a measure of an individual's or family's social and economic position in relation to others
• SES is a key factor in understanding classism, as it is the basis upon which class-based prejudice and discrimination occur
• SES encompasses various dimensions, including income, education, occupation, and wealth

Components of SES

• Income refers to the money earned through employment, investments, or other sources
• Education level, such as highest degree attained, is often used as a proxy for SES
• Occupation type and prestige are also considered, with some jobs associated with higher status and income
• Wealth includes the total value of assets (property, savings, investments) minus debts

Measuring SES

• SES can be measured using single indicators (income alone) or composite measures that combine multiple factors
• Common composite measures include the Hollingshead Four-Factor Index and the Duncan Socioeconomic Index
• Neighborhood-level SES measures, such as median income or percentage of residents with college degrees, are also used to capture the socioeconomic context of an area

SES and life outcomes

• SES is a strong predictor of various life outcomes, including health, education, and social mobility
• Individuals with higher SES tend to have better health, higher educational attainment, and more opportunities for advancement
• Lower SES is associated with increased risk of poverty, chronic stress, and limited access to resources and social networks
• The impact of SES on life outcomes highlights the far-reaching consequences of classism and class-based inequality

Intersectionality of classism

• Intersectionality recognizes that individuals have multiple, overlapping identities that shape their experiences of privilege and oppression
• Classism intersects with other forms of oppression, such as racism, sexism, and ableism, creating unique challenges for individuals who belong to multiple marginalized groups
• Understanding the intersectionality of classism is crucial for addressing the complex ways in which class-based discrimination interacts with other systems of oppression

Classism and race

• Classism and racism are deeply intertwined, with race and class often used as proxies for each other
• People of color are disproportionately represented among lower socioeconomic classes due to historical and ongoing racial discrimination
• The intersection of classism and racism can lead to double discrimination, where individuals face barriers based on both their race and class

Classism and gender

• Gender and class also intersect, with women often experiencing greater economic disadvantage than men
• The gender pay gap, occupational segregation, and the disproportionate burden of unpaid care work contribute to women's lower SES
• Class-based discrimination can have gendered consequences, such as the stigmatization of single mothers who receive public assistance

Classism and other identities

• Classism intersects with various other identities, including disability, sexual orientation, and immigration status
• People with disabilities often face barriers to education and employment, leading to lower SES
• LGBTQ+ individuals may experience class-based discrimination in addition to homophobia and transphobia
• Undocumented immigrants often work in low-wage jobs and face unique challenges in accessing resources and services

Manifestations of classism

• Classism can manifest at different levels, including institutional, interpersonal, and internalized
• These manifestations reinforce class-based inequality and create barriers to social and economic mobility
• Recognizing the various ways in which classism operates is essential for developing strategies to combat it

Institutional classism

• Institutional classism refers to the ways in which social institutions, such as education, healthcare, and the legal system, perpetuate class-based inequality
• Examples include school funding disparities based on neighborhood wealth, differential access to quality healthcare based on insurance status, and the cash bail system that disproportionately affects low-income individuals
• Institutional classism can be embedded in policies, practices, and norms that favor the interests of the wealthy and powerful

Interpersonal classism

• Interpersonal classism involves the everyday interactions and behaviors that reflect class-based prejudice and discrimination
• Examples include making judgments about someone's intelligence or work ethic based on their class background, using classist language or humor, or excluding individuals from social events based on their perceived class status
• Interpersonal classism can occur in various settings, such as the workplace, schools, and social gatherings

Internalized classism

• Internalized classism refers to the ways in which individuals from marginalized class backgrounds may absorb and accept negative messages about their own worth and abilities
• This can lead to feelings of shame, self-doubt, and a sense of not belonging in certain spaces or pursuing certain opportunities
• Internalized classism can also cause individuals to distance themselves from their class background or engage in classist behaviors towards others

Impact of classism

• Classism has far-reaching consequences for individuals and society, creating and perpetuating inequalities in various domains
• The impact of classism can be seen in educational outcomes, employment opportunities, and health disparities
• Addressing the impact of classism requires a multi-faceted approach that tackles both individual and structural barriers

Educational disparities

• Classism contributes to significant disparities in educational opportunities and outcomes
• Students from lower SES backgrounds often attend underfunded schools with fewer resources and less experienced teachers
• Class-based discrimination can also occur within schools, such as tracking students into less rigorous academic paths based on perceived ability or background
• These disparities can lead to achievement gaps, lower college enrollment rates, and limited access to higher education for students from marginalized class backgrounds

Employment discrimination

• Classism can manifest in employment discrimination, where individuals from lower SES backgrounds face barriers in hiring, promotion, and compensation
• Employers may make judgments about a candidate's skills, work ethic, or "fit" based on class markers such as education, accent, or appearance
• Class-based discrimination can also occur in the form of wage disparities, with individuals from marginalized class backgrounds earning less than their more privileged counterparts
• Employment discrimination perpetuates class-based inequality by limiting access to stable, well-paying jobs and opportunities for advancement

Health inequalities

• Classism contributes to significant health inequalities, with individuals from lower SES backgrounds experiencing poorer health outcomes
• Lower SES is associated with increased risk of chronic diseases, mental health issues, and premature mortality
• Class-based discrimination can also affect access to quality healthcare, with individuals from marginalized class backgrounds facing barriers such as lack of insurance, limited provider options, and discrimination from healthcare providers
• The stress of experiencing classism and class-based inequality can also take a toll on mental and physical health

Perpetuation of classism

• Classism is perpetuated through various societal mechanisms, including media representation, political rhetoric, and dominant cultural norms and values
• These mechanisms reinforce class-based stereotypes, justify inequality, and shape public attitudes and policies related to class
• Understanding how classism is perpetuated is crucial for developing strategies to challenge and dismantle it

Media representation

• Media plays a significant role in shaping public perceptions of different class groups
• Stereotypical and often negative portrayals of low-income individuals (as lazy, criminal, or undeserving) perpetuate classist attitudes
• Media also glorifies wealth and consumption, presenting an idealized version of upper-class lifestyles
• Lack of diverse class representation in media can also render the experiences of marginalized class groups invisible

Political rhetoric

• Political discourse and policy debates often rely on classist rhetoric and assumptions
• Politicians may use coded language (such as "welfare queens" or "the undeserving poor") to appeal to class-based prejudices and justify cuts to social programs
• Class-based appeals can also be used to divide voters and distract from issues of structural inequality
• Political rhetoric that blames individuals for their economic struggles (rather than systemic factors) reinforces classist beliefs

Societal norms and values

• Dominant cultural norms and values, such as individualism and meritocracy, can perpetuate classism by obscuring the role of structural inequalities
• The belief that success is solely the result of individual effort and talent (rather than access to resources and opportunities) justifies class-based disparities
• Norms around consumption and status symbols (such as luxury goods or elite education) can also reinforce class hierarchies and exclusion
• Societal values that prioritize profit and economic growth over social welfare can contribute to policies that exacerbate class-based inequality

Combating classism

• Combating classism requires a multi-level approach that addresses individual attitudes and behaviors as well as structural inequalities
• Strategies for combating classism include raising awareness, advocating for change, and implementing policies that promote economic justice
• Effective anti-classism efforts must also be intersectional, recognizing the ways in which classism interacts with other forms of oppression

Awareness and education

• Raising awareness about classism and its impact is a crucial first step in combating it
• Education efforts can challenge class-based stereotypes, highlight the structural causes of inequality, and promote empathy and understanding across class lines
• Anti-classism education can take many forms, including workshops, curricula, media campaigns, and community dialogues
• Integrating class-based perspectives into diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts can also help create more inclusive and equitable environments

Advocacy and activism

• Advocacy and activism play a key role in combating classism by pressuring institutions and policymakers to address class-based inequalities
• Grassroots organizing, such as living wage campaigns or tenant rights advocacy, can build power among marginalized class groups and push for systemic change
• Coalition-building across class lines and with other social justice movements can help create a broader base of support for anti-classism efforts
• Engaging in collective action, such as protests, boycotts, or legislative advocacy, can raise public awareness and pressure decision-makers to act

Policy and systemic change

• Achieving lasting change requires policies and systemic reforms that address the root causes of class-based inequality
• Progressive taxation, living wage laws, and universal healthcare and education policies can help redistribute resources and opportunities more equitably
• Strengthening labor protections, such as unionization rights and anti-discrimination laws, can combat class-based exploitation and discrimination in the workplace
• Investing in affordable housing, public transportation, and community development initiatives can help create more inclusive and equitable communities
• Ultimately, dismantling classism requires a fundamental shift in societal values and priorities, centering the needs and experiences of marginalized class groups

Class privilege

• Class privilege refers to the unearned advantages and benefits that individuals from higher socioeconomic backgrounds experience
• Recognizing and acknowledging class privilege is an important step in combating classism and working towards greater economic justice
• Those with class privilege can use their advantages to support and amplify the voices and experiences of marginalized class groups

Defining privilege

• Privilege refers to the unearned advantages, benefits, and access to resources that individuals from dominant social groups experience
• Class privilege is a type of privilege that is based on an individual's socioeconomic status and class background
• Privilege is often invisible to those who possess it, as it is experienced as the default or norm
• Recognizing privilege requires examining one's own social location and how it shapes access to opportunities and resources

Advantages of higher SES

• Individuals from higher SES backgrounds often have access to better-funded schools, leading to higher educational attainment and job prospects
• Higher SES is associated with greater access to healthcare, nutrition, and safe living environments, contributing to better health outcomes
• Those with class privilege may have access to social networks and connections that provide job opportunities, mentorship, and support
• Financial resources associated with higher SES can provide a safety net and allow for greater risk-taking and investment in the future

Recognizing and leveraging privilege

• Recognizing class privilege involves acknowledging the ways in which one's class background has shaped their experiences and opportunities
• Those with class privilege can use their advantages to support and advocate for marginalized class groups
• Leveraging privilege can take many forms, such as mentoring or sponsoring individuals from disadvantaged backgrounds, using social capital to open doors, or investing in community development initiatives
• Engaging in self-education and reflection on class privilege can also help individuals become more effective allies in the fight against classism

Classism in specific contexts

• Classism can manifest in specific contexts, such as the workplace, educational institutions, and healthcare and social services
• Understanding how classism operates in these contexts is crucial for developing targeted interventions and creating more equitable environments
• Addressing classism in specific contexts requires a combination of individual awareness, organizational change, and policy reforms

Workplace and professional settings

• Classism in the workplace can manifest in hiring practices that favor candidates from elite backgrounds, wage disparities based on class, and exclusionary workplace cultures
• Professional networks and advancement opportunities may also be shaped by class, with individuals from higher SES backgrounds having greater access to mentorship and sponsorship
• Addressing classism in the workplace requires policies and practices that promote diversity, equity, and inclusion, such as blind hiring, pay transparency, and affinity groups for employees from marginalized class backgrounds

Educational institutions

• Educational institutions, from K-12 schools to higher education, can be sites of significant class-based inequality and discrimination
• School funding disparities, tracking practices, and cultural capital advantages can contribute to achievement gaps and differential educational outcomes based on class
• Higher education, in particular, has been criticized for perpetuating class-based exclusion through legacy admissions, high tuition costs, and campus cultures that cater to wealthy students
• Combating classism in education requires reforms such as equitable funding, need-based financial aid, and support services for first-generation and low-income students

Healthcare and social services

• Classism in healthcare and social services can affect access to and quality of care, as well as the treatment of individuals from marginalized class backgrounds
• Insurance status, ability to pay, and perceived social class can influence the type and quality of care that individuals receive
• Means-testing and stigmatization in social service programs can also perpetuate classist attitudes and create barriers to accessing needed support
• Addressing classism in these contexts requires policies that promote universal access to healthcare and social services, as well as training for providers on class-sensitive and culturally competent care

Classism and social mobility

• Classism is a significant barrier to social mobility, or the ability of individuals to move up or down the socioeconomic ladder
• Class-based discrimination and structural inequalities can limit access to the resources, opportunities, and networks that facilitate upward mobility
• Addressing classism is crucial for promoting greater social and economic mobility and creating a more just and equitable society

Barriers to upward mobility

• Individuals from marginalized class backgrounds often face numerous barriers to upward mobility, including limited access to quality education, lack of financial resources, and discrimination in employment and housing
• The high cost of higher education and the burden of student loan debt can also limit social mobility, particularly for those from low-income backgrounds
• Lack of access to social networks and cultural capital can also hinder upward mobility, as these resources are often key to securing job opportunities and navigating professional environments

Cycle of poverty

• The cycle of poverty refers to the intergenerational transmission of poverty and the difficulty of escaping low socioeconomic status
• Children born into poverty are more likely to experience poverty as adults, due to factors such as limited educational opportunities, health disparities, and reduced access to resources and networks
• Classism reinforces the cycle of poverty by perpetuating the stigmatization and marginalization of low-income individuals and communities
• Breaking the cycle of poverty requires interventions that address both individual and structural barriers, such as early childhood education, job training programs, and policies that promote economic security

Meritocracy myth vs structural inequalities

• The meritocracy myth is the belief that success is solely the result of individual talent and effort, and that anyone can achieve upward mobility through hard work
• This myth obscures the role of structural inequalities and class-based discrimination in shaping life outcomes and opportunities
• In reality, social mobility is heavily influenced by factors such as family background, access to resources, and systemic barriers based on class and other intersecting identities
• Challenging the meritocracy myth requires recognizing the ways in which classism and other forms of oppression create unequal playing fields and limit social mobility
• Promoting true meritocracy and equal opportunity requires addressing structural inequalities and dismantling the systems that perpetuate classism and other forms of discrimination