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Inclusive Writing

Socioeconomic Status

What is socioeconomic status (SES)?

According to the American Psychological Association, Socioeconomic status encompasses the following:

  • income
  • quality of life
  • educational attainment
  • opportunities
  • occupational prestige
  • perceptions of social status and social class

What is classism?

According to Merriam-Webster, classism is:

  • the systemic oppression of the lower class and middle class to the advantage of the upper class
  • a belief that a person's social or economic station in society determines their ability or value in that society

As with all other types of discrimination, classism can be expressed in language and interpersonal interactions. Writing about socio-economic status in an inclusive way entails recognizing and avoiding classist beliefs and language.

Common misconceptions about poverty

Often, the language that we use when telling stories about low socio-economic status is influenced by our beliefs. Below are some misconceptions common to North America, as outlined in a report by FrameWorks Institute:

  • An individual's success and achievements are the direct result of their hard work and willpower. With hard work, anybody can overcome poverty.
  • All people are given equal opportunities in life. Those living in poverty have chosen not to take advantage of these opportunities.
  • The system is broken, and there's no way to fix it.
  • Living in poverty gives individuals the freedom to enjoy the simple pleasures of life.

While some of these narratives might seem harmless, ultimately, they remove responsibility from society by placing the blame on the individual, or by implying there's nothing that can be done to change the status quo. 
 

 Reflection: Which of the narratives above have you encountered in your life? What are some terms and analogies that perpetuate that false narrative?

Focus on Systems, Not the Person

The context in which a person lives or grows up plays a crucial role in the opportunities they are presented in life. Individuals with low SES often have access to fewer resources and services due to lack of funding policies. Instead of placing the blame on the person for not having achieved something, bring attention to the context in which they live and how it has impacted them. 

Similarly, when telling success stories, make sure to mention the obstacles and challenges the individual faced, and the types of supports necessary to overcome them. 

Deficit-based, Biased, and Strength-based Language

Avoid pejorative, stereotyping and deficit-based language

Be careful about terms that have a negative connotation, group a large number of people together, or place the blame on the individual. Instead, focus on the individual's strengths and achievements, while acknowledging the challenges and obstacles they faced. Whenever possible, consult with the individual for their preferred language.

Avoid implying superiority and inferiority

Avoid terms like "low-class" that imply one group is better than the other. Use neutral, non-judgmental language.

Language that depicts poverty as a desirable state, such as enjoying "the simple things in life" or living a "pure" life is also problematic. While these phrases may appear positive, they undermine concerns about poverty ultimately leading to inaction. 

Adopt a strengths-based approach

Whenever possible, focus on what people have rather than what they lack. For example, instead of "high-school dropouts", use "people who have completed 10th grade."

Examples of Problematic and Inclusive Language

Problematic Language More Inclusive Alternative Explanation

low class

poor

poverty-stricken

 low socioeconomic status Use neutral, person-first language instead of pejorative terms. 

disadvantaged; underprivileged

 underserved; under-resourced Avoid language that implies groups with a higher SES are superior. Alternatives such as "underserved" and "under-resourced" focus on systems and supports.
minority marginalized population The term "minority" is not accurate, as people who belong to groups described as "minority" are actually not a numerical minority. For more information, refer to the section on racialized communities.
the homeless

people who are experiencing homelessness; 

people in transitional housing; 

people in emergency shelter

 Terms such as "the homeless" have a negative connotation. The alternatives presented here are more specific and focus on the quality or lack of housing. 
the ghetto, the inner city, the projects [Use specific SES terms] These terms have a negative connotation, socioeconomic status with race, and perpetuate racial stereotypes. Use specific, separate terms to describe race, SES and geographical location.