Classism and Its Effects in Society

Throughout history classism has played an important role in how people are perceived and treated. This goes as far as race, gender, financial status, and social class of individuals. For persons of any classification to prejudge another based on their background is morally and ethically incorrect, when God created man, he created man in his likeness. Therefore, I believe that no matter who you are or what cloth you come from, we all equal.

Classism hurts society; it increases stereotyping, further demeans people, and It should not under any circumstance be tolerated or accepted. If classism should arise in any given the opportunity, it should be publicized and protested. What is Classism Classism is defined as a biased or discriminatory attitude based on distinctions made between social or economic classes. (Collins English dictionary, 2009) In sociology, (which is the study of the development, organization, functioning, and classification of human societies,) classism has a distinct effect on human life. Collins English dictionary, 2009) Classism is a form of discrimination under the classifications of an individual’s rational needs, which includes; food, clothing, shelter, education, and respect based on the individual’s social class. Classism is a system of beliefs and cultural attitudes that rank people according to their economic status. This economic status is also known as social stratification, which is the idea of classifying people according to their group of socio-economic class.

This classification deals with equalities or inequalities of economic, social, political, and ideological dimensions of society. Society ranks the stratification of people into layers of upper class, middle class, and lower class. Upper and middle classes are seen to be the richest and most educated of the layer, while the lower class is to poorest. Effects of Classism Classism has a major effect on society mainly because it is a belief that has been passed down from generation to generation. Classism affects people on an economical and emotional level; it divides society into two parts.

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Those who have and those who do not have, this mistreatment mainly comes from the dominant more in control groups of society, the rich. It affects the subordinated groups of society, those who are the poor and it continues to cause pain and suppression among the lower classes of society to the extent of personal fulfillment or survival. Theorized, if you are not born into this dominant class, there is no room for you in society to someday become successful and without this privilege; you are stuck, left to dogs. Yet classism is not only judged by finances, it is also judge by race, gender and religion.

Classism affects the minorities of society, African Americans, Hipics, Asians, and women. The mistreatment of Africans dates back to the 1600’s, and the reasons for this so called classification results from slavery, lack of education, and social status. This division of this group further suppresses Africans; it depletes the want for success within this group. As being an African American, I can honestly say, “I know classism. ” You are put into class of people who you may or may not be like, the only thing you have in common is being of the same race.

To be prejudged on your color and to have that related to racial background is hurtful; there only two options after something like this. You can either better yourself or you fall into the black hole of failure. Failure can be caused by what others think of you and how you are treated. After being treated a certain way for so long you begin to transform into that individual, hint, “society can put you down. ” It is same for other minorities in society as well; women are sometimes classified by what they cannot do. It is always been stated that a woman cannot complete the same task as a man.

Therefore women have always had to fight for their rights, including purchasing property, voting, and fair wages. Classism has been a struggle for all. What can be done about Classism While classism affects society as a whole, there is much that can be done by both the dominant and subordinated groups of society to cease classism. The first step to stopping classism is to recognize and accept both parties as equals. No matter what race, gender, or social class you come from, we all human beings and together we strengthen our society.

The belief of classism is taught at young age, individuals can start by instilling ethical behavior into their kids, so that they are able to prevent future behavior of classism. Ultimately, if we work together as a group we can stop classism.

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