Society has a way of treating people differently based on their wealth. The same actions, choices, and habits can be viewed as admirable for the wealthy but irresponsible for those with less money. This double standard affects everything from lifestyle choices to personal decisions.
Here are the things society judges differently depending on the size of your bank account.
Spending Habits
When a wealthy person splurges on designer clothing, luxury cars, or extravagant vacations, they’re seen as enjoying the fruits of their labor. However, when someone with a lower income buys a name-brand item, they’re often judged for being financially irresponsible. The assumption is that the rich can afford it, while the poor should be more frugal, regardless of whether both can actually afford the purchase.
Having Children
A rich person with multiple children is often admired for building a legacy or creating a large, loving family. On the other hand, a lower-income individual with the same number of kids might be criticized for having children they “can’t afford.”
Society tends to associate large families with wealth as a blessing and with poverty as a burden.
Accepting Government Assistance
If a big business owner takes advantage of government subsidies, tax breaks, or stimulus funds, it’s seen as smart financial planning. Yet, if a struggling individual applies for food stamps or housing assistance, they’re often judged as lazy or dependent on the system. The reality is that both groups utilize available resources, but society treats one as savvy and the other as a burden.
Housing Choices
A millionaire purchasing a small home is praised for being minimalist and practical. Meanwhile, the poorer individual living in a small space or a trailer park is viewed as a sign of struggle or failure. Society tends to glamorize frugality when the rich choose it, while condemning it when it’s a necessity for others.
Career Breaks and Sabbaticals
The wealthy person who takes time off work for self-discovery, travel, or to focus on personal projects, is applauded for prioritizing mental health and self-improvement. But not the low-income worker who takes a break due to stress, family obligations, or job burnout. They just get unfairly labeled as lazy or unmotivated.
Working Long Hours
Someone in a low-paying job working 80 hours to make ends meet is often seen by society as overworked, desperate, or lacking ambition to move up. Meanwhile, on the other side of the tracks, the rich person working the same long hours is admired for their dedication and drive.
Dressing Casually
A billionaire wearing jeans and a hoodie gets praised for being down-to-earth and relatable. But if someone with a lower income dresses the same way, they might be judged as a slob, unkempt, and unprofessional.
The ability to ignore dress codes without criticism is apparently seen as a privilege reserved for the wealthy.
Eating Out
The wealthy tend to dine out frequently, and they’re invariably seen as cultured and enjoying life. However, if a lower-income person dares to do the same, they’re likely to be criticized for wasting money instead of cooking at home. The assumption is that one group has earned the luxury while the other should be more responsible with their spending.
Driving an Older Car
Not every rich person drives a big, posh car. The wealthy individual who drives an old or beat-up car is often praised for their humility and financial wisdom. But if someone with a lower income drives that very same car, they get pitied or seen as struggling. The perception of frugality changes again depending on financial status.
Talking About Money
They say money talks. If so, they only listen to the rich. Wealthy people who openly discuss money are considered insightful, providing financial advice and investment strategies.
Meanwhile, when someone with a lower income talks about financial struggles, they’ll likely be seen as complaining or making excuses for their situation.
Investing vs. Gambling
When a wealthy person invests in stocks, real estate, or high-risk ventures, they are seen as shrewd and financially savvy. On the other hand, if a lower-income person buys a lottery ticket or gambles at a casino, they’re bound to be judged as reckless or desperate.
Like so many things in life, society only celebrates financial risk-taking by the rich.
Traveling
Frequent travel is considered a sign of sophistication when wealthy people do it, often praised as enriching and educational. Not the low-income individuals, though. If they prioritize travel, they’re likely to be judged for not focusing on financial stability. The assumption is that travel is a luxury rather than a life experience that can benefit everyone.
Renting vs. Owning
The rich person who chooses to rent instead of buying a home is seen as making a smart strategic decision and praised for their flexibility and smart financial planning.
However, the lower-income individual who rents is seen as a failure for not building wealth, a sign of instability, even when buying isn’t a viable option.
Health and Wellness Priorities
When wealthy people spend money on personal trainers, organic food, or wellness retreats, they are seen as taking care of themselves. But heaven forbid the lower-income individuals prioritize similar expenses.
They’ll be judged for wasting money on luxuries instead of necessities. The ability to invest in health is often viewed through a financial lens rather than a human need.
Staying Home vs. Going Out
The poorer members of our society who stay at home and don’t go out socializing are too often labeled antisocial or lacking ambition. But not the wealthy folk, who’ll be praised for valuing their time and prioritizing self-care. It’s sad how the same behavior is interpreted differently based on perceived social status.
Parenting Decisions
Rich parents who allow their children to skip college and pursue creative or entrepreneurial dreams are praised for fostering independence. But if a low-income parent encourages the same path, they will be criticized for not valuing education. The flexibility to choose non-traditional routes is often reserved for those with financial security.
Asking for Help
Someone with a big bank balance is likely to rely on financial advisors, accountants, or career coaches – and is considered wise for seeking expert guidance. On the other hand, if someone with a lower income asks for help, whether from family, friends, or government aid, they’ll be seen as dependent or irresponsible.
It seems society praises resourcefulness when it’s strategic but shames it when it’s a necessity.