Where is the Money? A New Conceptual Model for Examining Perceived Discrimination Based on Social Class Among Adolescents

Despite substantial research showing how social class is associated with developmental outcomes among adolescents, including academic achievement, mental health, and psychological well-being, there has yet to be a systematic investigation for how bias based on social class is perceived by adolescents and how such perceptions are associated with developmental outcomes. To address this knowledge gap, a new conceptual model for the examination of perceived discrimination based on social class is presented in order to engender research in this area. The model draws from theories about perceived discrimination based on social class that were designed for adults and theories about perceived discrimination based on race/ethnicity and gender designed for adolescents because there are parallels with social class although they are distinct constructs. Multiple dimensions are posited that include the forms (overt and subtle), targets (direct and indirect), and sources (peers, school personnel, and adults in the community) of perceived discrimination based on social class that are theorized to be most relevant to adolescents. Associations between perceived discrimination based on social class and developmental outcomes are hypothesized and the limited empirical research is described. Several directions for future research are presented.