Classism

Classism is structured in hierarchy based on wealth, income, educational attainment, and occupation. Laws, policies, and rules are written to benefit the middle class, the upper middle class, and the upper class and unfairly discriminate against people in a lower socioeconomic class. Class prejudice, class discrimination, classism, and microaggression are not interchangeable. Misunderstanding these terms prevents from developing effective action plans to deconstruct inequity and injustice. For example, effective strategies for dealing with class discrimination are different from classism. Classism involves changing the law (s), policy (cies), or rule(s), whereas class discrimination involves asking specific questions with civility to make sure both parties understand the presenting problem correctly before developing the action plans. The chapter discusses the complexities involved in class issues due to multiple determinants and its intersectionality with other demographic identities. Barriers to dismantling class oppression such as systemic class privilege/oppression, internalized class privilege/oppression, binary thinking, unconscious and automatic activation of stereotypes, and prejudice are discussed. Challenges in dismantling classism and class discriminations are explored through research evidence in social and developmental psychology, learning theories, neurobiology, and cognitive neuroscience. Experiential and reflective learning activities are inserted in relevant sections to facilitate transformative learning throughout the chapter.