Classism Flashcards

Questions and Answers

What is cultural classism?

Cultural classism is discrimination and prejudice of a person by the status of their economic class.

What was the response to poverty in America during the colonial period?

Those who were homeless were taken care of, provided with food, shelter, and grazing land.

How did the federal government address unemployment in the 1930s?

The federal government implemented government programs to help those who were poor, such as the Federal Emergency Relief Act.

What is individual classism?

Individual classism refers to discriminatory and prejudicial attitudes against poor people and those without jobs. Signup and view all the answers

How are children from low-income families disadvantaged in schools?

They often lack psychological and emotional support and tend to score lower on standardized tests like the SAT. Signup and view all the answers

What are some myths about welfare recipients?

Welfare families are large Signup and view all the answers

What is institutional classism?

Institutional classism refers to systematic laws and practices that discriminate against lower-income individuals. Signup and view all the answers

Why is the disparity between the richest and poorest Americans increasing?

The government has unfairly taxed the middle and lower classes while providing tax breaks to the wealthy. Signup and view all the answers

Who suffers the most from poverty in the United States?

Single women suffer the most from poverty, with a poverty rate of 31%. Signup and view all the answers

What is ageism?

Ageism is discrimination and prejudice against older individuals and also against young people. Signup and view all the answers

What are some examples of ageism in American society?

Elderly people are often viewed as vulnerable and frail, and portrayed as being resistant to new ideas. Signup and view all the answers

How do businesses discriminate against poor people?

Businesses may use blank price tags, exploit rental agreements, or employ bait-and-switch tactics. Signup and view all the answers

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.