Awareness is key to loosening class stories that no longer fit our lives. Money can be measured easily, but class reveals itself through habits and tiny assumptions about what’s “normal.” These cues often appear in ordinary moments like coffee shops, group dinners, work meetings, and kids’ birthday parties.
Here are seven moments where class scripts show up:
1) How people treat service workers: Observe how they order coffee or interact with servers. Those with more privilege may be entitled, while those without might over-apologize.
2) Group meals and the check: Notice how group members split bills or itemize expenses. This reveals internalized norms about money and social training.
3) Work meetings and small talk: Pay attention to conversations before meetings start. Some people translate quickly, while others nod and smile to avoid awkwardness.
4) House parties and home visits: Observe how hosts interact with guests. Those with more privilege may assume certain behaviors are expected, while those without might feel uncertain.
5) Complaints in public: Watch how people handle mistakes or issues. Class shows up in their entitlement, shame, or reactions to the other person.
6) Talk about free time: Listen to conversations about weekends and leisure activities. Those with more privilege may prioritize “experiences,” while those without might focus on obligations.
7) Conversations about the future: Notice how people discuss plans and goals. Class expectations can shape their mental maps of what’s possible.
By recognizing these class cues, we can become more aware of our own internal scripts. This awareness is the first step to loosening class stories that no longer fit our lives.
Source: https://vegoutmag.com/lifestyle/d-t-7-social-situations-that-expose-class-more-than-income-ever-could