classism

American  

[klas-iz-uhm] / ˈklæs ɪz əm /

noun

1. a biased or discriminatory attitude based on distinctions made between social or economic classes. classis.

2. the viewing of society as being composed of distinct classes. classis.

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classism British  

/ ˈklɑːsɪzəm /

noun

1. the belief that people from certain social or economic classes are superior to others

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Other Word Forms

• classist adjective

Etymology

Origin of classism

First recorded in 1835–45; class + -ism

Example Sentences

What secured the show’s passionate fandom are the scripts’ provocative considerations of classism and cultural discrimination as the most potent accelerants of any society’s downfall.

From Salon

Telling the story of the Black elite living in Newport, R.I., and the classism and colorism within that community was vitally important.

From Los Angeles Times

One of his accusers said the comments showed he "clearly hasn't learnt his lesson", while another said he wrongly "seems to be saying he's the victim of classism".

From BBC

Sweetness in the Skin by Ishi Robinson is a coming-of-age story, a celebration of Jamaica that also examines its legacy of colonialism and classism.

From BBC

Mary defied her era’s Southern Belle stereotypes, rejecting racism and classism in favor of everyday advocacy for equality.

From New York Times