Classism Flashcards

Study Notes

Cultural Classism

Discrimination based on an individual's economic status or wealth.

Colonial Response to Poverty

In colonial America, homeless individuals received food, shelter, and land.
New arrivals had to prove self-sufficiency to prevent increased poverty; those unable were sent to poorhouses with harsh conditions.

Federal Government Action in the 1930s

To combat unemployment, the federal government established programs during the Great Depression.
The Federal Emergency Relief Act (FERA) was signed by President Roosevelt, distributing $250 million to aid the poor.

Individual Classism

Individual classism involves prejudiced attitudes toward unemployed individuals and the poor, often assuming they can easily secure work.

Disadvantages for Low-Income Students

Children from low-income families often lack psychological and emotional support, resulting in poorer school performance and lower SAT scores.

Myths About Welfare Recipients

Increase in welfare rolls is a result of population growth, not abuse.
The average size of welfare families is similar to the American average.
Only a small fraction of welfare recipients engage in fraud.
Government assistance extends beyond welfare recipients to corporations.
Many welfare recipients are children; the assumption that they are lazy is misleading.

Institutional Classism

Systematic discrimination through laws and practices that favor middle and upper classes while marginalizing lower-income individuals.

Increasing Wealth Disparity

The gap between rich and poor Americans is widening due to unfair taxation and the use of middle and lower-class tax revenues to support wealthy corporations.

Individuals Most Affected by Poverty

Single women face the highest poverty rates in the U.S., with a 31% rate affecting their children as well.

Ageism

Discrimination against older adults and young people based on age.

Examples of Ageism in Society

Stereotypes about the elderly being frail, resistant to new ideas, and mentally deteriorating are prevalent in American society.

Business Discrimination Against the Poor

Price manipulation in stores may lead to overcharging less affluent customers.
Rent-to-own schemes typically result in excessive payments, with only 25% achieving ownership.
'Bait and switch' tactics mislead customers about product availability, pressuring them into buying more expensive alternatives.

Description

Test your knowledge on cultural classism and historical responses to poverty in America with these flashcards. Each card presents a key concept or question related to classism, providing a quick and effective way to study the topic.