Those who grew up in or currently live in places with few resources understand that words that describe socioeconomic status influence the way a person or their community is viewed and how they view themselves. Using language that maintains the dignity of individuals and communities and not laying blame on populations is pivotal. Language that talks down to individuals from lower socioeconomic backgrounds perpetuates classism.
Classism is the assignment of characteristics of worth and ability based on actual or perceived social class and the attitudes, policies, and practices that maintain unequal valuing based on class. Classism can be expressed via prejudiced or discriminatory attitudes, language, or behaviors directed toward individuals based on perceived or actual social class. This can occur in interpersonal interactions, education, housing, health care, legal assistance, politics, public policy, and more (APA, 2019a; Lott & Bullock, 2007).
