What is Classism?

Classism is when people are treated differently because of their real or perceived income and wealth, or the type of work that they do (or don’t do). Classism creates a barrier and lack of understanding between those who have more income and those who have less, as well as between those who do certain kinds of work. It can make people feel inferior or superior, and it can cause disregard for the real impact of financial insecurity on a person’s physical, mental, and emotional well-being. In extreme cases, classism can result in unaddressed homelessness and poverty, systemic abuse and neglect and increased incarceration. It can also result in severe dehumanization, and some people have even been hurt or murdered because of their real or perceive economic means. All people have a right to financial security, to have their basic needs met, to engage in economic trade, and to contribute to the world around them in the ways that are most meaningful to themselves. Nobody should be treated or feel like they are “less than” because of how they get their basic needs met, how they contribute to the community, or how they support themselves and their families.

Institutionalized

Institutionalized classism occurs when it is the policy or practice of an organization, business, group or government to treat people differently because of their real or perceived economic means or the work they do, or fails to recognize the impact of financial insecurity on person’s physical, emotional and mental health.

Rejecting Classism and Dismantling the Class-Based Lens

The first step in rejecting classism is saying it’s not okay, and dismantling the “Class-Based Lens”.

Similar to racism and sexism, the class-based lens is a concept that attempts to combine several human traits and group roles into categories. It tries to combine a person’s moral character, work ethic, and income level into a single category, and often views certain work as more important or less important than others. This lens assumes that there are essentially four groups of people – poor, working class, middle class, and rich.

The lens views those who are poor as not having money because they have a low-work ethic, make bad decisions or are morally inferior. In some cases, the lens accepts that people may be poor through no fault of their own if they have physical disabilities. The lens refers to these people as the “deserving poor”.

Working class people are viewed as those who work hard and engage in physical or manual labor, and have medium to good morals. However, the lens views them as inherently less intelligent than others, and assumes they are doing that kind of work because they have no other choice.

This lens views middle class people as those who engage in more thought or emotionally oriented positions, such as educators, supervisors or managers. They are understood to be hard workers in terms of how many hours they put in, but they don’t work as hard as manual laborers – Rather, they are their bosses. Their morals are understood to be higher. If they make a mistake, it’s more terrible than other people’s mistakes because the perception of them being somewhat morally superior is shattered.

Finally, rich people are seen as hard workers and good people who are the most successful – so long as they are philanthropic. Or they are seen as owners of things who are simply lucky, inexperienced with life, and likely the most morally corrupt, especially if they inherited their money or earned it through investments.

The lens assumes those who are at a different class levels are inherently different in some way and can and should be viewed as an “other”. Unfortunately, this lens has been used to oppress people – and mostly themselves – for generations.

Spectrum-Based View of Humanity

What does economic means mean anyway?

As we discussed in previous modules, each of us have basic needs, which include clean air, water, food, shelter, sleep, activity and mental and medical health care. We also have environmental and relational needs, such as transportation, entertainment, engaging in community activities, and other needs related to connecting with other people. On the other hand, luxuries tend to be those things that are beyond our basic needs, or enhancements of our basic needs. For example, some people may wish to have three or four personal cars, and others might like to have a fancier watch or home. Our taste or desire for luxuries is completely unique to us. Some people prefer the basics, some people prefer high end things, and some people prefer things in between. Some people may prefer luxury just for certain items, like a bed or shoes or phone, but be more comfortable with a house and clothes that provide just enough for basic needs. In addition to basic needs and luxuries, there are many things we each want to do. For example, some people like to travel, some people like to donate money to others, some people like to go to art shows, and some people like to invest. In the most basic sense, our economic means is our ability secure our basic needs, to obtain the luxuries we want, and to do the things we want to do.

The Economy (Trade)

Trade happens when we exchange our labor, skills, talents, time, or something of value to get what we need or want. If we’re able to grow our food and build our own homes and cars completely independently, we may not need to engage in economic exchange – or trade – very much, if at all. However, most people need to engage in trade to get the things they want or need.

In the past, human beings relied on trading goods and services. For example, let’s say a farmer who was really good at raising chickens needs a new roof. Fortunately, there is a carpenter in town who needs chickens, and can fix roofs. So, the farmer trades chickens and eggs to the carpenter for a roof repair. However, the farmer also needs a new driveway. Fortunately, there is a driveway repair person in town, too. But, the driveway repair person is a strict vegetarian, and so does not want or need chickens. Now, the farmer has nothing to trade. To address this issue, human civilizations have established money.

Money is a way to trade goods and services indirectly. Now, the farmer sells the eggs to the carpenter in exchange for money. The farmer then gives the carpenter money to get the roof fixed. If the farmer has some money left over from selling the eggs to the carpenter, the farmer can give the money to the driveway repair person. The driveway repair person can fix the driveway in exchange for money, and can go somewhere else to buy vegetables.

It’s important to note, money has no actual value. In many cases it can simply be the transfer of a piece of paper or numbers on a computer. The value is in the products and services involved in the exchange. For example, if the farmer wanted to charge five dollars per egg, the carpenter might say the price is too high and try to find a farmer with lower priced eggs. If the farmer says the price of the eggs is one dollar per egg, the carpenter might be willing to pay that. On the other hand, if the five-dollar eggs have a better taste and are a larger size, the carpenter might be willing to pay a higher price.

How much money we are willing to spend normally is determined by our personal perception of the value of the goods or services, how much we feel we truly need it or want it, and our financial security. Basically, is it worth it to us personally?

Financial Security

Generally speaking, financial security refers to our sense of confidence that we have enough money to engage in trade now and in the future. In fact, financial security is one of our basic human needs. We achieve financial security when we: 

• Feel confident that we have enough money right now; and 
• Feel confident we have the ability to earn enough money in the future (through our labor, bartering, or sale of our goods, products, or other belongings) to secure our basic needs (like housing, food and clothing), obtain luxuries, and to do the things we want to do.

Financial security is an internal feeling and each person has the ability to define for themselves what financial security means to them. Some people feel financially secure when they can afford the minimum, and some people feel secure when they have savings or extra money (or wealth) built up. When we don’t feel confident in our ability to engage in trade, we’re more likely to feel financially insecure. Being financially insecure kicks our senses into survival mode, and in just a short amount of time can cause short-term and long-term physical, mental and emotional trauma. Long-term financial insecurity can impact our thinking, feelings and even our physical health. If we experience financial insecurity – even if we later become wealthy – we can still be impacted by financial insecurity traumas if left unhealed.

How we get our money or gain financial security is completely up to us. It’s often based on many factors, including our familial priorities and life goals. There is no right or wrong way to achieve financial security as long as we’re not intentionally causing harm to others – or breaking any just laws. 

Getting Support from Others

When we’re younger, we all receive financial security from our parents, guardians or our families of origin. This can be from the work they do, money they inherited, or from assistance they receive from a state or federal government. As we grow older, many people become financially secure through their own work, selling their goods and products, or investing in others. Some people may continue to receive financial security with the support and help of others throughout their lives (or at some point in their lives). This might be from charity, the help of friends and family, or through a social safety net (disability benefits, unemployment benefits, and retirement benefits).

The reasons we might need help can range from suffering an accident, having an inability to work, or because the work we do doesn’t earn enough to cover our basic needs, even though we’re working hard. For example, an artist whose work brightens the day of thousands of people each year might work 40-60 hours per week, but in the open market can only earn a few hundred dollars per month.

Regardless of how we receive financial security, we continue to make a positive impact in the world, as well as in the economy. Whether we’re working, receiving investment income, or receiving support from others or the social safety net, we still use our money to purchase goods, services, and products in the open market. 

Work & Volunteering – Contribution of Our Time, Talents and Skills

Each of us can have a positive impact on the world around us – Even a simple smile can brighten someone else’s day. Many people also have time, talents, and skills we can provide to others. Some people have a lot of time to give, while others have responsibilities and priorities that limit their time and availability. For example, if we’re going to school or college, or are taking care of our children our parents, we might have less time to give to others. Or, if a natural disaster or emergency occurs, we might have to focus on rebuilding our home or getting our affairs in order, which can also limit our availability. 

Regardless of the amount of time we have, many people also have physical, cognitive, and emotional talents and skills. Some people develop these skills naturally, while some people develop them through perseverance, education, experience, or practice. These skills and talents often include:

• Physical strengths that allow us to do manual labor, like building things, cleaning, driving, repair work, or changing diapers; 
• Cognitive strengths that allow us to process information, create future goals and visions, design roads and bridges, develop processes or efficient ways of getting things done, or managing finances; and
• Emotional and relational strengths that allow us to teach others, communicate information, manage conflict, create art, and help people to achieve their personal goals.

We may find we have strengths in each of these areas, or that we have more strengths in some areas than others. When we give our time, talents, and skills to others, we often call this a service, “labor.” If we get money – or something we can trade – in exchange for our time and talents, this is referred to as work; If we don’t, it’s referred to as “volunteering”. Our time, talents and abilities are unique to each of us, and what we choose to contribute to others is up to us as well.

Goods and Products

Goods and products are tangible items we exchange either for money or other goods and products. They often include items we need for survival or want for pleasure, and that we can consume or use in some way. Examples include food items, clothing, furniture and household items, cars, medications, and more – really anything that we can touch or make use of is considered a “tangible” good.

We can obtain goods and products in different ways. We can purchase them with money, or in exchange for our time, talents and skills. We can also trade other goods and products. When we exchange our labor or other good or products, this is often referred to as “bartering”. If we’re the owner or makers of goods and products, we often get to decide if we’re willing to barter, or if we want money. If we want money for our goods products, this is often referred to as “selling”.

Making, trading and selling our goods and products are also considered forms of work.

Profession, Career and Work Ethics

Career often refers to our selected industry or profession – the type of work that we do. Many people choose their career based on their passions, skills, expertise, goals, desires, or financial needs or plans, but not always. Some people choose to work simply to be around other people, or to experience new things and contribute to their community in some way. Some people know what they want to do right away, and some people make several career changes throughout their lives. Still, some people might not work at all. 

Work ethic refers to how much diligence and commitment we give to completing our tasks or fulfilling our roles and responsibilities when we’re contributing our time, talents, or skills, or when we’re making, trading or selling our goods and products. Our work ethic can be influenced by our personal standards, values, priorities, an emotional connection to the work we’re doing, the work culture, and/or the amount of pay we receive. Many people have found they enjoy their careers more when they are doing something that is meaningful to themselves, allows for work-life balance, and provides financial security at the same time.

Some people view their career as part of their identity, or a reflection of their morals, values and priorities. This can be for their entire lives, or at just certain times in their overall development. Some people never place much value on their career at all, and work simply as a means to achieve financial security and to do the things they want or need to do outside of work. And some people never enter a formal career or profession all. This can be because they give their time and talents to their families or community in other ways, or for a variety of other personal reasons. 

What we choose to do – or not to do – is completely up to us. While it can be a reflection of our morals, values and priorities – or a part of our identity – the career(s) we choose or don’t choose are never the entirety of who we are. In fact, our contribution of time, talents and skills can have a positive impact on the world around us – whether we choose to be a teacher, truck driver, plumber, basketball star, singer or rapper, astronaut, janitor, elected official, investor, philanthropist, cake maker, military professional, CEO of a company, artist, stay-at-home parent, professional volunteer, or President of the United States. 

Income and Wealth

Income refers to the amount of money we receive in exchange for providing our time, talents, and skills or selling our good or products. The amount of income we receive is more aligned with the “market” or what people are currently willing to pay, rather than whether or not we’re making a positive contribution. 

On the other hand, wealth refers to the accumulation of our income, resources, property, goods, products, or other things that are important to us. How we view wealth is completely up to us. Some people view wealth as an accumulation of money, some people view wealth as an accumulation of belongings or property, and some people view wealth as an accumulation of happiness or close friendships. Some people are interested in securing wealth in one area – such as money and friends, and some people are interested in securing wealth in many areas, such as money, happiness, friendships, property, and other ways. Each of us can decide what wealth means to us, and determine whether or not we have accumulated enough wealth to call ourselves wealthy. Importantly, we can perceive ourselves and others as wealthy, but still not be financially secure.

Investments

Regardless of how we receive our income or wealth, modern human societies allow people to become a stakeholder – or part owner – of a business or company when they make an investment of time or money.  Examples include buying stock in a company or fulfilling duties and roles as part of an “LLC” or Corporate Board of Directors. Investors can also receive additional benefits that often include income of more than what they put in, or the ability to make certain leadership decisions. Any person can become an investor, and how much or how little we choose to invest is completely up to us. 

Another form of investment is known as philanthropy. This is when we make an investment or donation of time or money to a person, organization, or cause we care about. When we make a philanthropic investment, we’re often more concerned with the positive impact our investment will make for an individual or the community. We can benefit from the satisfaction of helping to make the world a better place, rather than receiving anything financial in return. Philanthropy includes both money AND time; Not having money to invest does not mean we can’t invest if we have time to give – or volunteer – instead.

Finally, inheritance is a form of investment in future generations. Many people strive to leave their wealth and income to their friends, families and loved ones – or causes or communities they care – about when they pass. For some people, this means money and property, and for some people this is a legacy, or sense of achievements in one’s life. What we choose to leave to others – if anything – is completely up to us.

Customer/Provider Roles in Economic Exchange

Regardless of how we receive our income – or how we view our wealth and financial security – there are common roles we can assume when we engage in the economy. In some cases, we are the customer or the client which means we are the ones who are purchasing or receiving goods or services. Other times, we are the in the role of the provider, which means we are the ones providing our time, talents, labor, goods or products in exchange for money or other goods of services we find valuable. Whether we’re the customer or the provider, each of us is worthy of dignity and respect regardless of what role we’re assuming at a particular time.

Beliefs to Challenge

People who do manual labor are better/worse than others.

Human First Lens

I recognize that manual labor is one of the most physically demanding roles a person can have. I respect those who choose these roles, as well as those whose roles are more mentally or emotionally demanding. I recognize and see the importance of each person’s strengths in our broader community.

Belief to Challenge

Starving artists need to get a real job.
 
Human First Lens

I recognize that many people work hard and do their best to utilize their skills to contribute to the world around them. Whenever possible, I can support an economic system that ensures those whose work isn’t necessarily valued highly in the open market can still receive their basic needs and financial security.

Beliefs to Challenge

Rich people don’t understand real life.

Human First Lens

I recognize some people inherit wealth and some people work very hard to achieve their level of wealth. While having access to funds can make certain things easier and create a larger buffer to experiencing financial insecurity, all people can experience the joys and challenges of life, including things like parenthood, marriage and divorce, family trauma, or accidents, illness, and other important issues. Regardless of the amount of wealth someone has or how they received it, each of us still share common human experiences.

Beliefs to Challenge

Poor people shouldn’t spend their money on luxuries, or cell phones or televisions.

Human First Lens

I recognize there are many ways people come into property, including receiving it as a gift, or by purchasing it when they had funds available. I also recognize that basic things like a phone and television are even more important when a person has lower income because they allow people to connect with the community, access affordable entertainment, and be able to connect with jobs or social services. I realize that no one should have to suffer regardless of their economic means.

Beliefs to Challenge

People who receive an inheritance have an unfair advantage.

Human First Lens

I recognize each of us can experience certain advantages. Some people have strong familial support and some people have enhanced physical capabilities. Some people have excellent learning abilities, and some people have great perseverance. Some people are highly ambitious, some people are very creative, and some people have greater financial security. I know that it’s up to each person to focus on their strengths and leverage their advantages to take care of themselves and their families, and to contribute to the world in ways that are most meaningful to them.

Beliefs to Challenge

There is an inherent difference between rich people, poor people, and middle- and working-class people.

Human First Lens

I recognize the primary difference between people of different income and wealth levels is their current or past experience with financial security or insecurity. I recognize that people with greater financial security may be able to take advantage of experiences and opportunities more quickly than those with financial insecurity, but that each of us can find ways to experience things that are most important to us. I also recognize financial insecurity can have a lasting traumatic impact on people, even if they become high income earners or wealthy in the future. It would be better if no one had to experience financial insecurity.

Beliefs to Challenge

Where people live is a sign of how much money they have.

Human First Lens

I recognize that people live where they do for many reasons. This can include income and affordability, financial priorities – such as saving and investing – as well proximity to family and friends, quality of school districts, and distance to work. I can’t assume anything about a person’s financial security, income or wealth by where they live. If I genuinely would like to learn more about their values and priorities, I can ask.

Beliefs to Challenge

Rich/poor people are better than me.

Human First Lens

I recognize that no one is better or worse than anyone else. We each deserve to be treated with basic dignity and respect, regardless of our financial security and economic means. And all people deserve to have financial security.

Beliefs to Challenge

A person’s wealth says a lot about their morals.

Human First Lens

I know that a person’s morals are independent of the amount of income or wealth they have.

Beliefs to Challenge

A person’s entire character can be defined by their career and work ethic. 

Human First Lens

I know that people choose their careers for a variety of reasons, and that work is only one aspect of a person’s life. I know that all people deserve to have a career that is financially and emotionally rewarding, and that allows them to have a work-life balance, meet their basic needs, and enjoy their time at work, as well as their time away from work.

Financial insecurity and classism can have a long-lasting impact on our self-respect, self-awareness, self-confidence, and self-esteem. If you have been a victim classism, it’s important to remember that your value and worth as a person have nothing to do with your level of financial security. What you choose to do with your life – including how you meet your basic needs, and what you value and prioritize is completely up to you.

If you have experienced financial insecurity or classism and have unhealed trauma, it may be helpful to speak with a counselor or spiritual advisor to help you overcome any physical, mental, or emotional pain that can occur. If you are currently experiencing financial insecurity, there are programs and services that may be able to help. You are deserving of receiving assistance, and there is no shame in getting support. Afterall, we all come into this world needing help from others, and you can “pay-it-forward” when you’re on your feet if you choose.

One path toward healing may also include spending some time making a list of your own priorities, contributions to the community-at-large, and your hopes and ambitions for the future. Consider your successes in meeting those, the challenges you have faced, and the steps you can take to meet your priorities and goals. Going through this process can help you re-establish your own self-worth and confidence in yourself as well. In fact, completing this topic is a sign you have what it takes to become successful at whatever you put your mind to. 

If you have come to realize you may have been classist towards others, it’s important to remember that all of us are doing the best we can given the circumstances and opportunities presented and available to us. All of us also contribute to our families, communities or society in some way or another. We can relate to others by engaging in topics and experiences we do have in common, rather than focusing on what sets us apart. If you have been classist to others in the past, you can make a commitment to changing your beliefs and treating each person as an equal from this moment forward.

Interpersonal

We can interrupt classism any time we see people making assumptions about how people should live or what people should do with their money based on their real or perceived economic means. We can reassert that all people have the right to do what’s best for themselves, and their families, and to contribute to the world around them in ways that are meaningful to themselves. We can also help people to understand the real traumatic impacts of financial insecurity, and support ways to prevent anyone from having to experience it now and in the future. 

Systemic

Strict income-based policies often create barriers to accessing basic needs, and overlook the traumatic and long-term impacts of poverty and financial insecurity, long-term accumulated debt, and other “low-income” guidelines. We can ensure that income-based policies are equal, equitable and fair, and take into account individual circumstances such as debts, financial security, and means of achieving additional resources.