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What is classism? 

Classism is defined as differential treatment based on perceived or actual social class. It is a form of systematic oppression of class groups that are subordinated so that dominant class groups can advance.  

Classism assigns worth and ability based on social class. This includes individual attitudes and behaviours, systems of policies and practices that benefit upper classes at the expense of lower classes.  

Classism is maintained by a system of beliefs and cultural attitudes that rank people according to their economic status, job status, family status, level of education and many other divisions. 

What are the different types of classism?  

There are 4 types of classism;  

1. Individual

This is classism on a personal level and relates to behaviour or attitudes that may be unconscious or intentional.  

2. Institutional 

This refers to the ways that intentional or unintentional classism manifest in various institutions within or society. This could be a workplace, housing, education or healthcare. 

3. Cultural 

Cultural classism refers to the promotion of negative beliefs or practices that portray poor, less educated or socially unaccepted individuals as inferior and responsible for their own position in society. 

4.  Internalized 

This type of classism is the acceptance of classism by working class and poor people. They may feel inferior towards those in a higher-class position, or shame about traditional social standing in their family history as well as denial. They may also experience hostility and blame towards other working-class and poor people. 

Why is classism a problem? 

Classist attitudes are associated with environmental hazards that increase your risk of illness or injury, reduced access to fresh food, exercise facilities and preventative healthcare, all of which negatively impact health outcomes. Classism is not just an issue for lower classes, it affects everyone. However, some individuals are impacted differently throughout the class levels. Members in lower working classes are perceived as too lazy to make a living despite being some of the most hard-working people in many societies. 

Classism is also a problem in the workplace. In a 2019 study. Employees who were asked about areas of diversity their organisation could improve on, socioeconomic diversity ranked lower than ageism, sexism and disability discrimination. Managing director at Wildgoose explains that classism exists in more than half of the workplaces in the UK. By tackling classism and discrimination, organisations can create a more harmonious working environment and increase job satisfaction. Given that workplaces suffer from class divisions, it’s important to make a concerted effort to bring people together and create environments where employees are made to feel equal. 

Conclusion 

Classism assigns worth and ability based on social class. This includes individual attitudes and behaviours, systems of policies and practices that benefit upper classes at the expense of lower classes. This is a problem because  

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