What does classism mean?
Classism is prejudice or discrimination against people because of their social class or economic standing. It operates both as an individual attitude — such as contempt or condescension toward those perceived as 'lower' class — and as a set of institutional practices that systematically advantage one class over another, for example in hiring, education, housing, or access to cultural capital. The word pairs the noun 'class' with the '-ism' suffix familiar from terms like racism and sexism, and like those words it typically implies a power imbalance: the dominant group holds the prejudiced view. Classism is most often invoked critically, in journalism, sociology, and political debate, to name and challenge such attitudes rather than to endorse them. It is closely associated in Britain with discussions of accent, schooling, and social mobility, and in the United States with debates over wealth, elite universities, and unpaid labour. Related forms include the adjective 'classist', describing someone or something marked by such prejudice.
nounPrejudice or discrimination against people based on their social or economic class, together with the attitudes and institutional practices that favour one class over others.
- Prejudice, stereotyping, or discrimination directed against people on the basis of their social class or economic status.
- The system of attitudes and institutional practices that produce and sustain such disadvantage — e.g. in education, housing, or employment.
"The hiring policy was criticised for the subtle classism that favoured candidates with elite university accents."
"Critics accused the magazine of classism after it mocked readers for their regional accents."
"Removing unpaid internships was seen as a step toward eliminating classism in the media industry."
Rarely used; the plural occasionally appears in academic writing to refer to multiple distinct instances or manifestations of class prejudice.
"Historians have documented various classisms across different eras and societies."
The word 'classism' is surprisingly young — it only entered widespread English use in the late 20th century, even though the attitudes it names are centuries old.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of classism
Classism derives from 'class', the word for a division of society by rank or wealth, combined with the '-ism' suffix denoting a doctrine, attitude, or system of prejudice. The underlying notion of 'class' in this sense emerged in late 18th- and early 19th-century Europe, particularly amid industrialisation and the reordering of social hierarchies. The specific term 'classism' is comparatively recent, gaining wide currency in English only in the latter half of the 20th century alongside parallel terms such as 'racism' and 'sexism'. Its root is shared with related coinages built on 'class', including 'classic' and 'classify', which trace back through Latin 'classis', a division of the Roman people.
Related word forms
How classism is actually used
A formal-to-neutral term used chiefly in sociological, journalistic, and political discourse; it carries a strongly critical connotation when applied to a person, policy, or institution. In British English it frequently appears in debates over accent, education, and social mobility; in American English it is often discussed in relation to wealth inequality and elite institutions.
Easily confused with classism
Racism is prejudice based on race or ethnicity, whereas classism is prejudice based on social or economic class.
Snobbery is an individual's condescending personal attitude toward those of 'lower' status, while classism also encompasses broader systemic and institutional disadvantage.