what is classism

Classism is a form of discrimination based on social class or perceived social class. It is the systematic oppression of subordinated class groups to advantage and strengthen the dominant class. Classism is held in place by a system of beliefs and cultural attitudes that rank people according to economic status, family lineage, job status, level of education, and other divisions. Classism can refer to personal prejudice against lower classes as well as to institutional classism. There are different types of classism, including personal, institutional, cultural, and internalized classism. People who are poor/working class sometimes internalize the dominant society’s beliefs and attitudes toward them, and play them out against themselves and others of their class. Internalized classism is the acceptance and justification of classism by working class and poor people. Classism is a problem because it assigns worth and ability based on social class, which can lead to unequal treatment and opportunities.