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Classism: the institutional, cultural, and individual set of practices and beliefs that assign differential value to people according to their socioeconomic class. (Stanford University)
People imagine “poor” people to be lower in distinct human traits such as warmth/friendliness, intelligence, and general psychological fitness compared to middle-class or upper-class people.
Classism is a conduit for dehumanization and the internalization of these beliefs. When people of different classes are assigned different societal values they become socialized to view others and themselves as less deserving and less
Four Forms: Upward, Downward, Lateral, and Internalized
upward: holding particular stereotypes and beliefs about people in a perceived "higher" class than you.
prevents upward mobility but cannot be equated to downward, lateral, or internalized classism. Lower-income people do not have the power to discriminate against the wealthy or support oppressive institutions.
downward: comparing yourself to others in a perceived "lower" class.
self-protective to boost concepts of self-identity and personal worth
lateral: holding and perpetuating beliefs about others in the same perceived social class.
cause the most detrimental mental health effects compared to upward and downward classism.
internalized: individuals internalize and perpetuate stereotypes about their social class along with their perceptions of other classes resulting in lower self-confidence and esteem, shame and stigma, and limited aspirations/belief in upward mobility.
intersects with other forms of discrimination such as racism, sexism, homophobia, ableism, etc.
Meritocracy: a system, organization, or society in which people are chosen and moved into positions of success, power, and influence on the basis of their demonstrated abilities and merit.
What's the problem? Despite an egalitarian premise meritocracy perpetuates rigid class systems, assuming everyone is on an equal playing field, resulting in a self-justified elite ruling over a disenfranchised mass. People become more likely to internalize their class and
The term meritocracy was first introduced in the book “The Rise of Meritocracy” published in 1958 by sociologist Michael Young from Britain.
Young’s book was actually a political fiction dystopian novel depicting a society of the UK in which intelligence (IQ scores) and merit are used to sort people into classes. Culminates in a completely polarized classist society while the upper class slowly devolves the meritocracy into aristocracy as status becomes heritable.
The term meritocracy was adopted into the English language not attached to any of its previously negative connotations.
Classism and Meritocracy in Daily Life
Differences in Medical Practices and Access
Findings in a 2020 study showed nurses' recognition of low SES is associated with dehumanizing inferences of health (passive towards pain), and different treatment recommendations, and viewed them with less “Uniquely Human” traits associated with competence (dehumanizing).
The experience of marginalized individuals (particularly )is often minimized by medical staff and healthcare insurance companies by limiting access to certain treatments, pain medication, and even life-saving procedures.
Education
Children of differing SES backgrounds are treated wildly differently by their peers, educators, and institutions.
Students from more affluent communities are offered more academic opportunities due to access to better resources and technology, private tutors, and educational programs placing lower-economic students at a disadvantage.
Lower-income students' problems only get compounded in higher education, with expensive textbooks, required access to technology, attendance policies, and costly housing and dining plans.
Students from lower-income families are more likely to attend/be able to afford schools with lower graduation rates and for interdependent reasons such as providing for their families. They are more likely to experience institutional, financial, and cultural barriers that limit upward mobility like social exclusion and class-based microaggressions.
As inequality increases status anxiety and perceived social threat consequently increase. People become less altruistic, more mentally ill, and more dehumanized as their sense of control is stripped from a false belief in a meritocracy.
As an additionally highly competitive, individualistic, and materialistic society, priority over status protection and wealth takes precedence over a sense of community and reforming inequality at the source.
Watch these videos for more perspectives on classism and the myth of meritocracy
Why meritocracy is America’s most destructive myth
Why meritocracy is America’s most destructive myth
Explores the intersectionality between race and economic wealth in America and how economic inequality and racial inequality are impacted by the false belief in meritocracy.
Is inequality inevitable?:
Is inequality inevitable?:
Explores how economic inequality has persisted throughout history and how it is impacted by different government policies and economic systems.
Discussion Questions:
How do you think a meritocracy might fuel classism?
Do you think classism/income inequality in the U.S. is different compared to other developed but unequal countries?
How do you think the basis of intersectionality and classism is addressed or not addressed in the U.S.?
How much do you think our capitalist economy contributes to inequality in the U.S?
What is your opinion of universal basic income as a solution to poverty?
Why do you think so many people are unaware of their social status or the implications of such until they leave home (college, military, etc.)?
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