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Cognitive and behavioral distancing from the poor
1Department of Psychology, Woodward 10, University of Rhode Island, Kingston, RI 02881, USA. blott@uri.edu
The American Psychologist
|March 20, 2002
Summary
Classism, defined by distancing, exclusion, and devaluing, is a dominant response toward the poor in the U.S. Addressing classism requires recognizing and combating the moral exclusion of stigmatized groups.
Area of Science:
- Social Psychology
- Sociology
- Public Policy
Background:
- Classism is a significant social issue characterized by discrimination against individuals based on socioeconomic status.
- Understanding the mechanisms of classism is crucial for developing effective interventions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To define and examine classism in the United States.
- To explore the concept of moral exclusion in relation to socioeconomic status.
- To illustrate the multifaceted nature of classism through various forms of distancing.
Main Methods:
- Conceptual analysis of classism, discrimination, and moral exclusion.
- Examination of classism within the U.S. context.
- Illustration through cognitive, institutional, and interpersonal distancing.
Main Results:
- Distancing, separation, exclusion, and devaluing are identified as operational definitions of discrimination.
- Classism is defined by these discriminatory responses, alongside stereotypes and prejudice.
- Classism manifests through cognitive, institutional (education, housing, healthcare, legal, political), and interpersonal distancing.
Conclusions:
- The American Psychological Association's resolution on poverty and socioeconomic status marks a step toward reducing the invisibility of low-income individuals in research.
- Combating classism requires addressing the moral exclusion and various forms of distancing experienced by impoverished populations.