Weekly reflection
Social Class and Diversity in the Workforce
Chapter 8
© 2018 Taylor & Francis
1
The Social Class Structure in America
Social class refers to one’s economic position in society. Historically, social class has represented a socioeconomic social stratification that is measured in terms of education, occupation, wealth, and income. Income refers to wages, whereas wealth refers to assets minus debts (Kimmel & Aronson, 2009).
Social stratification is the process by which resources are distributed in society (Beeghley, 2005).
© 2018 Taylor & Francis
Individual Classism
Definition: Classism on a personal or individual level, either in behavior or attitudes, either conscious and intentional or unconscious and unintentional (Leondar-Wright & Yeskel, 2007)
Example: A middle-class person refusing to buy clothes from a resale shop or believing that shopping at garage sales is not dignified
© 2018 Taylor & Francis
Institutional Classism
Definition: Ways in which intentional and unintentional classism is manifest in the various institutions of our society (Leondar-Wright & Yeskel, 2007)
Example: disproportionate allocation of resources in “inner-city” schools as opposed to affluent, suburban schools
© 2018 Taylor & Francis
Cultural Classism
Definition: Ways in which classism is manifest through cultural norms and practices (Leondar-Wright & Yeskel, 2007)
Example: TV shows and movies that portray poor and working-class people in a demeaning way
© 2018 Taylor & Francis
The Social Classes in the United States
Privileged classes, made up of a capitalist class and an upper-middle class
Majority class, consisting of a lower-middle class and a working class
Lower class, which includes the working poor and the unemployed underclass
Non-Economic Perspectives Emerging from Social Class Identities
Psychological and physiological effects of classism
Intersection of social class with other forms of difference
Intersection of social class and privilege
© 2018 Taylor & Francis
Significance of Discussions on Social Class in Higher Education
Vibrant arena to identify and dismantle social class bias and prejudice (Class Action, 2011)
More sensitivity needed for lower-income class and first-generation students in settings usually more representative and responsive to the middle- to upper-class students.
© 2018 Taylor & Francis
Emerging Discourse: Social Group Diversity
Diversity of groups within social groups
Example: Variations of Hispanics, such as those who are Cuban Americans versus Mexican Americans
Implication: More discourse on the awareness and understanding of social group diversity, because awareness and understanding has not materialized substantially in this way
© 2018 Taylor & Francis
Emerging Discourse: Working Military Class
1. High school graduates lured to the military because of its benefits and potential for learning a trade
2. Individuals pursuing a skill
3. Individuals looking for opportunities and a “way out” of their existing conditions
4. Individuals who are not moving ahead in their current occupation or employment
Implication: As a working environment, the military is viewed as an egalitarian society that concentrates on the need to survive.
© 2018 Taylor & Francis