2025: Empowering the Future through Education, Diversity, and Hope
Bad Decision-Making or Understandable Coping Mechanism: Socio-Economic Status and American Hypocrisy
Location
Hemmingson Ballroom
Start Date
15-4-2025 11:15 AM
End Date
15-4-2025 12:15 AM
Description
“Why are other people’s coping mechanisms better than poor people’s? Because they’re prettier.” This quote by Linda Tirado, a woman living in poverty, highlights the use of a common stereotype imposed on those living in poverty: that they waste money on frivolous and unappealing expenses such as cheap alcohol and drugs. At least 20% of Americans believe people living in poverty have lower moral values than those who are affluent (Lichter, 2002) and 27% believe people are poor because they are lazy, not due to economic circumstances (CBS News). There is a belief those in poverty spend their money poorly as seen in a 2019 welfare, work, and wealth national survey, 60% of strong Conservatives say the top causes of poverty are bad personal decisions (Ekins, 2019). This poster will examine the ways that coping or de-stressing behaviors are viewed as acceptable or even admirable in the wealthy (e.g., cocktails, massages, vacations, shopping, sex) while mechanisms employed by those in poverty (e.g., cigarettes, cheap alcohol, sex) are viewed as morally reprehensible or simply atrocious. This poster will suggest that culturally dominant stereotypes are driving this hypocrisy and will suggest ways in which we can catch these assumptions and employ more accurate and empathetic thinking.
Recommended Citation
Chavez, Rachelle, "Bad Decision-Making or Understandable Coping Mechanism: Socio-Economic Status and American Hypocrisy" (2025). Diversity & Social Justice in Education Conference. 6.
https://repository.gonzaga.edu/dsjconf/2025/general/6
Publication Date
2025
Bad Decision-Making or Understandable Coping Mechanism: Socio-Economic Status and American Hypocrisy
Hemmingson Ballroom
“Why are other people’s coping mechanisms better than poor people’s? Because they’re prettier.” This quote by Linda Tirado, a woman living in poverty, highlights the use of a common stereotype imposed on those living in poverty: that they waste money on frivolous and unappealing expenses such as cheap alcohol and drugs. At least 20% of Americans believe people living in poverty have lower moral values than those who are affluent (Lichter, 2002) and 27% believe people are poor because they are lazy, not due to economic circumstances (CBS News). There is a belief those in poverty spend their money poorly as seen in a 2019 welfare, work, and wealth national survey, 60% of strong Conservatives say the top causes of poverty are bad personal decisions (Ekins, 2019). This poster will examine the ways that coping or de-stressing behaviors are viewed as acceptable or even admirable in the wealthy (e.g., cocktails, massages, vacations, shopping, sex) while mechanisms employed by those in poverty (e.g., cigarettes, cheap alcohol, sex) are viewed as morally reprehensible or simply atrocious. This poster will suggest that culturally dominant stereotypes are driving this hypocrisy and will suggest ways in which we can catch these assumptions and employ more accurate and empathetic thinking.
Comments
Poster Session A