Understanding Intersectionality Through Classism

A system of social organization where one race is seen as superior and another as inferior leading to discrimination and exploitation.

Using a person's labor for profit without fair compensation

A strategy to maintain power by creating conflict between different groups

Using political means to favor certain groups or create an unfair system

Significant difference in wealth and resources between different racial groups

Blaming a certain group for problems or hardships faced by others.

Belief that white people are superior to other races, leading to discrimination.

A system of social arrangements where people make concessions or promises in order to obtain better outcomes.

The widespread belief that anyone can achieve upward mobility through hard work, regardless of starting point, which research suggests is not always true.

The non-monetary assets, such as knowledge, language, and social connections, that influence an individual's social position and opportunities.

The shared values, beliefs, and behaviors associated with different social classes, which can influence opportunities and interactions.

The total value of an individual's assets (property, investments, etc.) minus their liabilities (debts).

The difficulty or inability of individuals to move up or down the social class ladder, often due to structural factors.

A sense of privilege and deservingness, often based on upbringing and social background, that can shape beliefs and behaviors.

The unequal distribution of educational opportunities and resources, which can perpetuate class inequality.

Opportunities and advantages that are not readily accessible to people of lower classes, often due to cultural capital and networks.

In Marx's theory, the class that owns the means of production (land, factories, etc.) and controls the economy.

In Marx's theory, the class that owns only their labor and must sell it to the bourgeoisie for survival.

The question is why owners, who hold significant power and control the economy, cannot accept a slightly reduced profit margin, especially considering the vast wealth disparity between them and workers.

An economic theory where tax cuts and benefits for the wealthy are expected to eventually benefit everyone else.

It suggests that by enriching the wealthy, workers will indirectly benefit through increased job creation and higher wages.

Owners shift blame for income inequality onto workers by threatening to take away their jobs or claiming that raising wages will harm the economy.

A wage high enough for a worker to afford basic necessities and live decently.

The legally mandated lowest wage an employer can pay workers.

A law that implements harsh sentences, often life in prison, for repeat offenders, even for minor offenses. It was intended to deter crime but has contributed to prison overcrowding and disproportionately impacted minorities.

A law that requires judges to impose a minimum prison sentence for certain crimes, regardless of the circumstances. This reduces judicial discretion and often leads to longer sentences.

A law that aims to reduce the difference between the sentence imposed and the actual time served. It usually requires offenders to serve a larger percentage of their sentence before being eligible for parole.

The practice of holding individuals in jail before their trial, even though they are legally presumed innocent. This is often due to their inability to afford bail, leading to prolonged detention and potential hardship.

A sum of money paid to the court to secure the release of a defendant pending trial. If the defendant appears in court, the bail is returned. It can be a significant financial burden for those with limited resources.

The unequal distribution of educational resources and opportunities based on factors like school type, location, and funding. This leads to different levels of knowledge and preparation for different career paths.

The unequal distribution of educational resources and opportunities within higher education, creating differences in quality, prestige, and access based on factors like institution type (2-year vs. Ivy League), student background (local vs. wealthy), and funding.

The common belief that sports offer a way out of poverty for marginalized youth, particularly those of color, is often reinforced in media, but this is a very limited possibility due to the highly competitive nature of professional sports and the limited number of opportunities.

The number of open positions on professional sports teams is very small, requiring exceptional talent and hard work. The possibility of success is even more limited for women due to lower visibility and funding compared to men's sports.

Even for those who succeed in professional sports, their careers are short-lived, often ending with injuries and lasting health issues. This limits the financial benefits and long-term security for athletes.

While athletes work hard and face risks, the owners of professional sports teams often accumulate immense wealth, highlighting the power imbalance within the industry.

The vast majority of professional sports team owners in the US are white males, further illustrating the racial inequality and power dynamics within the industry.

The idea that sports offer a path to escape poverty for youth of color is a myth, as the reality is far more challenging with limited opportunities and risks of injury and burnout.

ALEC, a powerful lobbying group, has significantly impacted the private prison industry by advocating for policies like expanded use of private prisons, promotion of prison labor, and increasing criminal definitions. This strategy aims to increase the prison population and generate revenue for private prison corporations.

This act, supported by ALEC, made prison labor legal, allowing private companies to utilize prisoner labor for profit. This has generated controversy and criticism due to concerns about exploitation and unfair labor practices.

As incarceration rates plateau, ALEC is now shifting its focus to immigration detention centers, seeing it as a new revenue source for its corporate members. This strategy raises concerns about the expansion of detention centers and potential for profit-driven immigration policies.

The U.S. has the highest incarceration rate in the world, with a staggering 693 people incarcerated per 100,000 residents. This figure is significantly higher than any other country, including nations with a reputation for high incarceration rates.

The use of prison labor in the United States has a long history, dating back to the late 18th century. It's been used for various forms of labor, including agriculture, to replace slave labor and often targeting unionized workers, leading to tensions and even violence.

Throughout history, the use of prison labor has been a contentious issue, particularly with organized labor. Unions have viewed prison labor as a threat because it undermines wages and labor standards. This has resulted in conflicts between unionized workers and prison labor, often with tragic consequences for prisoners.

The strength of trade unions has historically been closely linked to the regulation of prison labor. Prior to the 20th century, strong unions often led to stricter limitations on the use of private prison labor. This demonstrates the connection between union power and protection against unfair labor practices, including prison labor.

Since the 1970s, the U.S. prison population has experienced a dramatic increase, becoming the largest in the world. This surge is attributed to policy changes like the War on Drugs and harsher sentencing guidelines, leading to a dramatic rise in incarceration rates.