New research published in Psychological Science finds that the 2008 Great Recession led many Americans to begin identifying with a lower social class. The change in class identity appears to have been long lasting rather than a short-term reaction to the downturn.
The study, led by Stephen Antonoplis at the University of California, Riverside, analysed four large datasets that tracked class identity for about 165,000 people over decades. Because the data are long term, the researcher could test whether the effects of the recession persisted for years.
Earlier work often used short experiments with the MacArthur ladder, a visual scale, and found brief shifts. Antonoplis measured self-perceived class and noted it did not always match income. He also pointed to widespread recession-era headlines that may have increased feelings of lower status. Researchers say these shifts matter because they affect health, well-being and political views, and future work will study those links.
Difficult words
- recession — a period when the economy becomes weaker
- dataset — a collection of related information or numbersdatasets
- identity — the way a person thinks about themselves
- self-perceived — how a person sees their own social position
- persist — to continue happening over a long timepersisted
Tip: hover, focus or tap highlighted words in the article to see quick definitions while you read or listen.
Discussion questions
- Have you ever changed how you describe your social class after a crisis or personal event? Why or why not?
- How could a change in class identity affect a person’s health or political views? Give one example.
- Do you think newspapers and headlines can change how people feel about their social status? Why?
Related articles
Middle East tensions push up US fuel and food costs
Rising tensions in the Middle East have raised global oil prices and are already increasing costs in the United States. Economists say higher energy prices affect gasoline, airfares, supply chains and food, and that efficiency can help.
Cherry compounds may slow triple-negative breast cancer
Researchers at Texas A&M report that anthocyanins from dark sweet cherries slowed tumour growth and reduced metastasis in mice, and that combining them with chemotherapy helped control tumours. Further research is needed on safety and absorption.
How Long-Term Singlehood Affects Young Adults
A study tracked more than 17,000 young people in Germany and the UK from ages 16 to 29. It found that long periods of singlehood are linked to falling life satisfaction and rising loneliness, while starting a first relationship improves well-being.
