1. Introduction to Class Based Discrimination
1. Introduction to Class Based Discrimination
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Students will be able to define class based discrimination
Students will be able to define class based discrimination
Sometimes in our society, people are treated differently based on their family's job, money, or lifestyle. This happens in schools, neighborhoods, and even in stories we hear. It affects how people see themselves and others. In this lesson, we will begin to explore how and why this happens.
Class-based discrimination, or classism, refers to the unfair treatment of people both through individual actions and societal norms based on their lower socioeconomic status. People are often ridiculed or excluded from opportunities because of their social class.1
This discrimination not only makes it difficult for people from lower socio-economic backgrounds to succeed, it also prevents them from being treated with respect by others in society. Very often people from lower socioeconomic classes also believe that they do not be treated the same way as higher class people 1,2
Class-based discrimination can happen at two levels: Individual and Society level
1. Individual level -
When individuals are treated badly because of their class. For example, if a child from a slum goes to a private school and other children make fun of him/her because of where they live, it is class based discrimination.
2. Societal level :
Many practices in societies are built on classist structures that make it difficult for people from lower social classes to succeed or gain respect. Example: In many offices, security checks are only done for cleaners and staff from lower-income groups, but not for higher-level employees.
Other Examples:
Class-discrimination happens when people believe that some people are more superior than others because of their wealth, power, education status, job, appearance, and overall standard of living. 2
People from higher socioeconomic groups are less likely to know and understand the reality of those who are from a different social class than their own. This is often because they have class privilege that protects them from the reality of those without it. Other than privileges like better housing, healthcare, education, they also have some other indirect advantages like personally knowing employers, “legacy admissions” to higher education, inherited money.
People from higher classes may also have some preconceived notions and beliefs about lower socioeconomic classes that results in them treating them differently.
Glossary
Socioeconomic status: A person’s social and economic position in society, usually based on income, education, and job.
Ridiculed: Laughed at or mocked in a mean way.
Preconceived notions: Beliefs or opinions formed before having proper knowledge or experience.
Summary:
Classism or class-based discrimination is the unfair treatment of people because of their socioeconomic class.
Classism can exist at an individual level or at a societal level because of norms that exist in society.
Classism/Class based discrimination is caused by a belief that those with more money/power are more superior.
Class privilege gives some people advantages that others don’t have, often leading to unfair treatment of those from lower-income groups.
Extensions:
India needs to have a serious conversation about class based discrimination:Link
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