CLASSISM AND HOW IT AFFECTS US PSYCHOLOGICALLY

In a world that prides itself on progress, equality, and human rights, there remains a persistent social disease that quietly undermines mental well-being: classism.

Whether it’s the subtle dismissal of someone’s opinion because they “don’t speak well,” or the glaring divide in access to healthcare and education, classism isn’t just about economics—it’s about identity, dignity, and psychological survival.

What Is Classism?

Classism is the prejudice or discrimination based on social class. It can be institutional, interpersonal, or even internalized. It shows up in the way we judge someone's clothes, where they live, the kind of job they have, or the schools they attended.

It’s the reason someone from a low-income background might shrink in a room full of polished professionals. It's why a person might feel shame for taking the bus, or why another might flaunt luxury brands as armor. These are more than lifestyle differences, they are symptoms of a deeper societal wound.

The Mental Toll of Classism

Classism doesn’t just restrict opportunity; it quietly erodes mental health, confidence, and self-worth.

1. Anxiety and Depression

Living in a society where your worth is tied to your wallet can be crushing. People from lower socioeconomic classes often experience chronic stress, fueled by financial insecurity, judgment, and exclusion. This stress can morph into anxiety, depression, and a profound sense of inadequacy.

2. Internalized Inferiority

When you're constantly told directly or indirectly that you’re "less than," you begin to believe it. This is internalized classism. It’s when someone questions their dreams because they “come from nothing,” or when they don’t apply for jobs or schools they qualify for, simply because they feel they don't belong.

3. Shame and Social Isolation

Classism creates invisible barriers. People may avoid social events because they can’t afford the clothes or dinners. Young children may feel embarrassed by packed lunches or old shoes. These small instances compound, leading to isolation, shame, and a constant sense of not measuring up.

Class Privilege: The Other Side of the Coin

Classism doesn’t just affect those on the “lower” end of the spectrum. Those from wealthier backgrounds may also face psychological challenges—a lack of empathy, pressure to maintain status, fear of failure, or an identity that feels hollow without material reinforcement.

While these issues are different in weight and consequence, they reveal one truth: classism damages everyone, just in different ways.

The Media and the Myth of Meritocracy

We’re often sold the idea that "anyone can make it if they try hard enough." But this myth of meritocracy ignores the real and often insurmountable barriers many face due to class. It feeds the stigma, encouraging those who struggle to blame themselves, while absolving systems of responsibility.

The media glamorizes wealth and mocks poverty. Poor people are portrayed as lazy or unmotivated. Wealth is equated with intelligence and hard work. The result? A distorted worldview where rich equals worthy, and poor equals failure.

Healing the Divide: What Can We Do?

• Acknowledge It: The first step to dismantling classism is to recognize that it exists—in our systems, language, media, and minds.

  
  

• Speak Up: Challenge classist jokes or assumptions. Share stories that humanize poverty and success beyond the dollar sign.

  
  

• Foster Empathy: Encourage cross-class friendships and conversations. Exposure breaks down ignorance.

  
  

• Redefine Worth: We must learn to value people for their character, creativity, and contribution—not their cars, clothes, or credit score.

Finally, I'd say classism doesn’t always scream. Often, it whispers.

It shows up in our job interviews, our social media feeds, our classrooms, our dating preferences—even in the way we see ourselves. And left unchecked, it shapes not just society, but the mental landscapes of generations.

To truly move forward, we must stop measuring people by what they have and start seeing them for who they are. Because when class defines worth, we all lose something essential: our shared humanity.