Media Representations of Social Class

Nearly all social classes are stereotyped in negative ways, likely in part because of how they are portrayed in the mass media; often it seems that no matter which class one is, there is something wrong with the typical lifestyle associated with that class. Wealthy, upper class people are often presented as snobby, selfish, greedy and lazy. Lower class folk are seen as dirty and criminal; as drug addicts or others with no future in sight. The middle class, being a more moderate group, does not possess assumptions nearly as explicit, but nevertheless carry some of the negative connotations associated with a “working class”: those that are not poor, but are not privileged enough to get by without a conscious effort. Many would likely be inclined to think that although these stereotypes exist, deeply ingrained in our society, they themselves would never judge another with this basis; I think, however, that the unfortunate truth is that we do judge others based on stereotypes, even if this judgement is silent or unconscious. When we see a homeless person on the street, asking for money, what are among the first thoughts we may think? We may feel pity for them, some may be inclined to help; but others may feel discomfort and the need to walk away quickly, or may wonder if their use of the money is honest, if they aren’t just trying to buy drugs or worse. When we see someone driving by in a Porsche or a Mustang, what do we think? It is likely that words like rich and snobby, and assumptions of conceitedness and privilege enter the minds of many without thinking.

This is a problem, because snap judgements are often entirely wrong, and to judge someone based solely on our own immediate perception of their social class is simply unjustified. Thus it is important to consider why we make these judgements, and what influences us to do so. The media often feeds into stereotypes by reinforcing what we believe to be true; images of the extremes of social class fill television screens, newspapers and other sources daily. When class is presented in the media, it accentuates the wealthiness of the rich and the lack of wealth of the poor; billionaires who donate money to various causes are idolized, even made the subject of television shows such as The Secret Millionaire, while those they benefit are reduced to subordinate recipients of aid and help. An even larger problem may be that social class is largely not addressed directly in the mass media, pushed aside for more apparent issues of race, gender, and other sources of discrimination; thus there is nothing to prevent stereotypes from continuing to exist in our society.

These assumptions can have profound implications for those of different classes, as none are immune to exposure to the stereotypes of their own class. If a wealthy person grows up learning that being wealthy entails a self-centered, materialistic lifestyle, they may grow to believe that this is the only option for them, or the only way that they will truly find success. Likewise, if a lower class individual is exposed mainly to the presumption that they have no positive outlook and are destined to a life of poverty and negative habits, they may resign themselves to this future and live it out without realizing the potential for change. It is because of this that it is so important that we as a society work to represent social classes more clearly and positively, as well as to diminish the negative stereotypes that have perpetuated this subject for years past.

-Lindsey