“A Student Wrote on my arm Because They Knew I was Unhoused and Could not Shower”: Addressing Social Class Discrimination among Adolescents

Abstract

Social class discrimination refers to the negative overt or subtle interpersonal treatment that individuals encounter because they are disadvantaged in social class. Adolescents experience social class discrimination from peers, school personnel, and other adults, often cued by visible markers, such as clothing, housing, food access, and the (in)ability to pay for school activities. Up to 50% of adolescents surveyed report social class discrimination, underscoring the need for consideration. During adolescence, these experiences may be especially consequential because young people are navigating pubertal change, heightened peer evaluation, awareness of inequality, and identity development. Social class discrimination is associated with academic outcomes, substance use, body dissatisfaction, disordered eating, depressive symptoms, and self-esteem. This article reviews evidence on social class discrimination and identifies policy-relevant strategies for multiple stakeholders, including policymakers, families, school personnel, and adolescents. Strategies include (a) acknowledging and (b) eliminating social class discrimination, and (c) supporting adolescents who are disadvantaged in social class. Recommendations include developing policies and trainings that increase awareness, promote coping, and encourage advocacy to address social class discrimination.