Every society has unwritten rules about how people with different incomes and social classes should act, dress, and talk. Some behaviors can make someone seem more respected, while others can make them less respected. Here are 18 habits often associated with having a lower social status, whether fair or not.
Multi-Generational Households
The high cost of housing often forces families to live together, not necessarily out of preference but out of economic necessity. While financial problems may be a primary reason for extended family living together, other factors are at play. Strong family ties, caring for elderly relatives, and following cultural traditions can all contribute to this situation. So, while economic pressures may push families into shared living spaces, family bonds and cultural values influence these decisions significantly.
Gossiping
Gossiping, often perceived as shallow and thoughtless, is frequently linked to lower-class groups. However, gossiping isn’t confined to any particular social class—it’s prevalent across all walks of society. Engaging in discussions about others is a human behavior that goes beyond class status. Thus, while gossip might be associated with some class groups, it’s universally observed behavior.
Riding the Bus
Depending on public transportation can be perceived as an indicator of coming from the lower class, suggesting difficulty in buying and maintaining a car. According to data from Statista, buses have emerged as the number one mode of public transport in the United States, constituting nearly half of all public transit journeys. The figures released by public transit authorities in the U.S. for 2022 indicate a staggering total of almost 6.19 billion passenger trips undertaken annually.
Avoiding Healthcare
Navigating health care can pose challenges for individuals in the lower classes. These difficulties may arise from limited access to health insurance and financial constraints, making medical services less affordable. Additionally, a lack of quality education might contribute to a lower level of health literacy, resulting in a poor understanding of medical practices and responsibilities for one’s well-being.
DIY Repairs
Handling home repairs and maintenance might be misinterpreted as an inability to afford a professional tradesperson’s help. However, this assumption only captures part of the reasons behind the DIY trend. Frugal middle-class homeowners and individuals who value self-reliance, skill enhancement, and personal accomplishment are also drawn to do-it-yourself projects. So, while financial constraints may play a role, many other motivations drive people towards DIY projects. And DIY can be a fun and rewarding hobby.
Consuming Fast Food
Dining at places like McDonald’s or KFC is commonly viewed as a sign of being from a lower-class background. However, it’s intriguing to note that this perception is somewhat misleading. Drive Research reports about two-thirds of the population, about two-thirds, indulge in fast food at least once weekly (65%). Moreover, statistics reveal that males are nearly three times more inclined to consume fast food daily than females. Individuals allocate approximately $148 per month toward fast food expenses, and 40% of American consumers resort to drive-thrus for fast food purchases.
Coupons and Discounts
Scouring for discounts or using money-off coupons might be perceived as desperate, often associated with households of lower income. However, it showcases intelligent financial responsibility, cleverness in finding bargains, and a distaste for squandering money—qualities beneficial for responsible spending regardless of one’s economic status. Thus, discount-seeking behaviors shouldn’t be dismissed as mere penny-pinching but instead recognized as prudent and valuable skills applicable to anyone striving to capture a bargain.
Manual Labor Jobs
Engaging in entry-level manual labor positions, which typically offer minimum wage, doesn’t necessarily equate to low income. Many manual laborers earn decent wages, especially those with specialized skills or knowledge. According to Indeed, specific blue-collar jobs contribute significantly to society and offer substantial pay. As reported by Statista, in January 2024, the civilian labor force in the United States comprised 167.28 million individuals. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics uses this term to refer to Americans aged at least 16 who are employed, seeking employment, not in the military, and not institutionalized.
Secondhand Shopping
Shopping at thrift stores or purchasing secondhand items is frequently misjudged as exclusive to lower-class brackets. Surprisingly, the middle class are the most enthusiastic patrons of thrift stores. They appreciate the value, eco-friendly aspect, and distinctiveness of moving away from conventional consumerism. While thrift shopping may carry a stigma of being associated with lower classes, it’s a practice embraced by individuals across various income levels.
Cash Economy
Engaging in a cash-centric economy and steering clear of traditional banking services is frequently associated with lower-class standing. While this stereotype can hold true sometimes, it fails to consider the many reasons behind such financial practices. Personal preferences regarding money management, the availability and advantages of some banking options, and a person’s inclination toward maintaining financial privacy all play significant roles. Therefore, assumptions about economic status based solely on banking habits can be misleading.
Free Recreational Activities
Engaging enthusiastically in low-cost or publicly accessible recreational pursuits is occasionally viewed as a marker of lower social status. Events such as street basketball games, community picnics, and library openings may be affordable for everyone, yet the enjoyment of these activities is only partially linked to financial constraints. People from all walks of life partake in these events for various reasons beyond budget considerations, challenging the assumption that participation equates strictly to economic status.
Bad Financial Management
There’s a prevailing assumption that individuals in the lowest income brackets struggle with financial management or exhibit irresponsible spending habits. However, it’s crucial to recognize that poorer people often lack access to decent financial education. Surprisingly, many individuals of higher social status also demonstrate poor money management skills, accumulating debt, neglecting good investments, and out-of-control spending.
Overusing Slang or Profanity
Swearing is commonly viewed as uncouth, indicative of lower class status, or lacking dignity. However, the reality is that swearing is a universal human response, particularly in times of stress or anger, going beyond social class boundaries. So, while certain languages may be stigmatized as associated with lower classes, their usage is a shared experience across different class backgrounds. Everyone swears, whatever class you come from.
Prepaid Cell Phones
Choosing prepaid cell phones over monthly plans with costly devices and included minutes may be necessary for individuals lacking a steady, dependable income. Yet, individuals across various class backgrounds opt for prepaid tariffs due to their convenience and flexibility, especially when their usage levels are minimal. So, while financial reasons may drive some towards prepaid options, others appreciate their simplicity and autonomy, irrespective of economic status.
Home Schooling
Opting for homeschooling is often unfairly linked to limited financial means, particularly if outdated religious views or government distrust are cited. However, numerous factors motivate parents to homeschool, such as the desire for personalized learning approaches and worries about bullying or social isolation. It’s essential to recognize that homeschooling decisions stem from various considerations beyond stereotypes associated with intelligence or financial status.
Poor Clothing Choices
Wearing flashy, revealing, or excessively patterned clothing is commonly associated with lower social status. However, this overlooks people’s diverse wardrobes and fashion choices, regardless of how much they earn. Clothing choices are influenced by various factors such as personality, mood, lifestyle, age, current fashion trends, and climate. Therefore, assuming someone’s socioeconomic status based solely on their attire fails to acknowledge the complexity of individual style and expression.
Loud or Expressive Communication
There’s a common stereotype that those in the lowest socioeconomic classes tend to communicate loudly and lack refinement. This perception can unfairly label individuals unintelligent, crude, or lacking education, potentially affecting their career prospects. However, these cultural differences in communication styles don’t necessarily reflect their intellect or capabilities.
Prioritizing Work
Opting for paid employment instead of pursuing further education is frequently met with skepticism from some higher classes. However, this overlooks personal preferences and the significance of practical vocational skills and trades, such as carpentry, construction, and plumbing. It’s essential to recognize that choosing paid work over education can stem from various factors beyond financial constraints, including individual interests and the value of hands-on skills.
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