Classism can be defined as the differential treatment based on actual or imagined social status. Historically, it has been referred to as the systematic subjugation of lower-class groups by higher-class groups, in order to benefit and reinforce them as well as the methodical allocation of abilities and qualities according to social status. Classism is maintained by a set of cultural attitudes and ideas that divide people based on a variety of factors, including education level, employment status, family history and economic standing.
In the workplace, classism can manifest itself in a variety of ways. For example, when colleagues feel excluded from conversations because they don't understand an inside joke about their middle-class coworkers, or it can show itself more overtly, like when people make fun of working-class and regional accents. Classism is still extremely prevalent in the workplace, as according to 2022 Diversity & Inclusion in the Workplace Report by Wildgoose, 33% of the respondents in the UK identified socio-economic background as the key diversity area that their company can still improve upon.
