Class Privilege and Intersectionality
Class privilege can intersect with almost every privilege. People have advantage because of economic access and social class. Last week I discussed ability privilege. The world is made for people of a typical ability level. What do people with a disability need? They need supports like wheelchairs, rehabilitative therapies (PT, OT, SLP), accomodations in the house or community buildings. How do you get these supports? Money. So what people with a disability will get these supports? Those that are of a higher social and economic class. A person may even receive better services simply because they are known as part of a higher social class. Additionally, they might get extra benefits because of their reputation or connections. That reputation may have come with little to no effort on their part, maybe because of a prestigious family. In summary, class privilege, or economic privilege can intersect with almost any other identity.
Think about...
When thinking about privilege, take time to think how different groups may have more advantage than others with a certain identity, e.g. people with disabilities. This doesn’t erase the struggles they face as a part of this community, it puts into perspective who the society allows to benefit and thrive easily (without significant barriers): those with money, and/or of a higher social class.
What does Class Privilege Look Like?
Class privilege means that you can enjoy that happy hour without counting every dollar you spend, or limiting the number of drinks you buy. Or that you can even afford to have a little fun and go to happy hour, either by actually being able to buy a drink, or not having to choose between working extra hours for a liveable income or going out with coworkers! Your trips to the grocery store don’t require coupons or only buying the necessities when even that might not be enough. These are the “smaller” ways class privilege affects people’s lives.
Looking at bigger institutions: people can afford to go to college without a scholarship. Without having to apply for minority scholarships or federal funding. These will leave a person in debt for years. And within that institution, there are extra hidden costs- required textbooks, software.
Real Life Examples
My roommate was trying to find a breakdown of graduate tuition to receive reimbursement- it’s not easy to find. Even if we aren’t using the “free” services that are covered in our tuition (e.g the gym, the library), we don’t get reimbursed. And we can’t find information on how to do so! My other roommate of was notified that for their medical rotation, they are expected to buy their own goggles.
Examples of class privilege come up every day- recognize them and how policies like paying for your own medical goggles may not be possible for some.
What Can We Do With Our Class Privilege?
- Be mindful that others may have silent class struggles.
- Never assume that someone is secure financially. Even if they attend the same private institution as you, or pay high rent. They may be doing what they need to survive, even if they live paycheck to paycheck.
- A person may be unable to attend a paid event. Remember that when inviting someone. Invite them privately if they need to decline. Even if the payment is optional, it may be triggering for a person of low income.
- Think about your privilege and how it may affect others.
- If you are part of a class that gets heard, use it to help others that aren’t.
- Talk to politicians about class issues. Politicians may not interact with people facing problems. Many politicians don’t reach these demographics. Not everyone can vote! It’s our job to advocate.
- Join organizations that actively improve these issues.
