classism
UK[ˈklɑːsɪzəm]US[ˈklæsɪzəm]
n
Prejudice or discrimination based on social or economic class.
n
A system or ideology that reinforces such distinctions.
Morpheme Breakdown
class
ism
class
social rank
ism
doctrine, prejudice
Etymology
The word 'classism' is a modern English formation, directly combining the established noun 'class' with the productive suffix '-ism'. The root 'class' originates from Latin classis, which initially referred to a summoning or division of the Roman people, particularly for military or census purposes, thereby embedding the concept of hierarchical ordering. The suffix '-ism' has a rich lineage from Greek -ismos, forming nouns of action or practice, which passed into Latin and later English to denote systems of thought or bias, as seen in terms like 'racism' or 'sexism'. Thus, 'classism' logically constructs its meaning by applying this pattern of naming a prejudice to the specific arena of social and economic stratification, creating a term that describes the ideology or practice of discriminating based on perceived class standing.
Analysis
Structure: class (social rank) + ism (doctrine, prejudice)
class: From Latin classis (a division, rank, fleet). In English, it denotes a social or economic stratum. Functional role: Core root specifying the subject of the prejudice.
ism: A suffix from Greek -ismos, via Latin -ismus, forming nouns of action, state, or doctrine, often denoting a prejudice or system of belief. Functional role: Suffix indicating a distinctive practice, system, or ideology.
Examples
The novel is a sharp critique of the classism prevalent in 19th-century British society.
His remarks revealed a deep-seated classism that shocked his colleagues.
Policies that ignore systemic poverty can perpetuate economic classism.