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An item that I associate with the working class would be drug store makeup and skincare products. I myself use a mix of drugstore products. I feel like working class individuals are more focused on the affordability of things out of necessity and practicality. People who belong to the working class usually don’t have the ability to splurge on higher end products like upper class individuals. I believe working class people are more able to recognize when something is just being purchased for ‘the brand’ vs the actual product.

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A container of instant coffee from a grocery store is one item I associate with the working class. Due to its practicality and affordability, a lot of individuals make their coffee at home. Instant coffee is a cost-effective option for someone trying to control daily spending because a jar can last for weeks and cost between $12 and $20.

A daily Starbucks coffee purchase is one item that I identify with luxury or affluence. While there is nothing wrong with buying coffee from Starbucks, it is often seen as a lifestyle choice that people with more disposable income can afford regularly. A coffee that costs $7 or $8 a day might not seem like much at first, but over the course of a month, it might cost well over $200.

Because these products reflect different purchasing patterns and financial priorities, I associate them with different social classes. Making coffee at home is frequently the more cost-effective option when planning a monthly budget. Purchasing specialised coffee on a daily basis, on the other hand, might turn into a luxury. This example demonstrates how variations in income, lifestyle, and social class can be reflected in everyday necessities like coffee.

-Janvi Patel

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W6. Self, Society, and Socialization Option 1: Branding Brands

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W6. Self, Society, and Socialization Option 1: Branding Brands

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An item I would associate with the working class is Tim Horton’s coffee cup. I associate it with everyday working life because it’s affordable, convenient and usually seen among people going to early shifts or long work days. I myself usually get a Tim Hortons coffee every morning before work.

An item I would associate with wealth would be a luxury designer bag such as Louis Vuitton. Designer items are expensive and not necessary for everyday life and are seen as status symbols that signify financial success.

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Working class: Bus passes or public transport

One thing I associated with the working class is bus passes. I associate these with the working class because so many people reply on public transit such as buses to go to school, work, or other activities. By using public transport individuals save so much money in which the working class needs. These individuals tend to be able to afford public transport compared to being able to afford a car, and all the expenses that come with it. As a result of the affordability of bus passes, public transport such as buses are commonly associated with the working class.

Affluence/Wealth: Luxury cars such as Bentleys

One thing I associate with affluence or wealth is luxury cars such as Bentley’s. I associate luxury cars with wealth because these types of cars cost a lot of money that the working class does not tend to have. Even if they do have the amount of money required to buy a luxury car, they tend to not own them as cost of the car is not the only cost that comes with them. Being able to maintain and keep the car in working order adds up, ending up costing possibly thousands of dollars per month. Luxury cars tend to be viewed as a statues symbol as well, showing one’s financial success or even social prestige. As a result of this, owning a luxury car is usually associated with wealth as the individuals who own these have the financial resources needed to maintain and keep these cars and more.

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Whenever I think about the differences between the working class and the wealthy, one thing that comes to mind is transportation. More specifically, the means of transport a person owns or uses.

For the working class, transportation usually comes in the form of tough choices made based on money and/or need, like public transportation, older used cars, or budget cars that are more fuel efficient and cheaper to maintain.

Wealthier people, on the other hand, can afford to have luxury cars, multiple cars per household, and new high-end or electric SUVs. They also can use uber or other paid car services without a second thought of the cost.

The inequality of working class transportation versus the wealthy class transportation really showcases social inequality.

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After this week's content and this week's BackPack activity itself, when I think back to certain items, it's clear that the cost, accessibility and distribution of them has a certain reason as to why it is. I immediately thought of naloxone kits, as they are widely accessible and often free to the public, especially in communities that may be facing higher levels of substance use and limited access to healthcare resources such as Peterborough. This ties back to how some groups in society are much more affected by social inequality. When we think about the fact that naloxone kits are made available shows how they are connected to issues such as addiction, poverty, and limited access to healthcare.

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How everyday objects reflect social class and social inequality

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How everyday objects reflect social class and social inequality

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I associate Kraft Dinner with the working class because it is inexpensive, easy to prepare, and commonly donated to food banks. The Week 6 readings showed that food-insecure individuals often viewed Kraft Dinner as a meal of necessity rather than comfort.

I associate Louis Vuitton handbags with wealth because they are expensive luxury items that symbolize status and affluence. According to Veblen’s concept of conspicuous consumption, people sometimes purchase luxury goods to display their social position and economic success.

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Some examples of everyday items that I associate with the working class would be my lamp. I love going to thrift stores because in my brain it means I’m spending less while also saving good items from going into the landfill, as well as thrift stores having a bunch of cool items with so much character, character you don’t really see in today’s items. It works great and looks even better too and for $7.99, I will gladly take it! An item that I associate with wealth on the other hand would be my access to the internet, whether that be through my iPhone, Alexa, laptop or my television. It’s become such a habit to automatically reach for an item to easily access Tik Tok or YouTube that I sometimes forget that it’s a privilege to have this.

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Two brands that I associate with the working class versus wealth are Teslas (wealthy) and Toyotas (working class). Toyotas are extremely popular cars for working class people because of their reliability (especially for new drivers), similarly to Hondas. Whereas Teslas seem almost like a waste of money. The Cyber-truck was exemplified to fail crash tests, be unreliable technologically, and extremely overpriced for what they are. Teslas seem like a "flex" on those around you, while you would not bat an eye if a Toyota Corolla drove past you. Not only are these cars that only people of these two class types would own, it also exemplifies something about those class types as well. Typically, wealthy people are not careful in what they purchase. They would rather purchase something with less functionality, but more prowess than the other way around. Meanwhile working class people put a lot of thought, study, and knowledge into their purchases because money is not as disposable for them.

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When I think of the working class one item I associate it with is tools. My dad works in renovation/construction and uses tools constantly, they are apart of his everyday life and his work. One item that I associate with wealth is a car, not only are cars expensive and considered a luxury, but they are also considered an item used in everyday use and apart of many peoples everyday use. I feel that everyone deserves the opportunity to have a car, as it helps with everyday life. it will make it simple and easy.

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An object that I use in my everyday life with the working class is a pickup truck, as they drop off and pick up packages that I have ordered to my house and are being returned back to the facility. Something I associate with that is in the wealth category is a phone. A lot of people do not have the luxury of being able to have a phone or pay for a phone with a plan.

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One example I could think of is makeup; specifically lip products I currently use products from Nyx, Amazon, and mainly just affordable lip products that usually range from $10-$16. However, when I began learning how to use makeup in the first place my mom was generous and bought me this mini makeup kit from Dior, and it included a lip oil that was at the time nearly $50 (not sure if the price fluctuated at all or not). Honestly, the consensus I can draw from this is that unless you're showing off the tub of lip oil, or whatever expensive product is in use, people wouldn't usually be able to tell if you're wearing an expensive makeup product or not unless you're showing the product off. If anything, the difference typically applies to the person wearing it, how they feel. Some prices for these products linked to high-luxury brands are beyond absurd, but others are partially ethical.

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When considering which items I associate with class, cars are the first thing that came to mind. Certain brands or models of cars are associated with wealth, and other brands or models are associated with the working class. For instance, the association of minivans with working-class moms and families. Public transit is often associated with the working class. In comparison, sports cars and other fancy cars are associated with wealth and affluence, serving as status symbols. Certain car brands make their name and legacy from being considered luxury.

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In my opinion, a thermos is an item that represents the working-class and serves as a meaningful symbol. The thermos represents planning ahead, saving money, and ensuring food stretches throughout the day. I imagine people packing leftovers before work or preparing school lunches for their spouses or children. While some people may choose to buy lunch everyday, a working-class individual would choose to bring their food from home to cut down on unnecessary spending, especially when food prices continue to increase. The thermos is a symbol of routine, simplicity, and frugality. These are qualities of practical and responsible individuals who puts thought into the balancing work, family and finances.

At first, I had chosen an espresso machine as my symbol of wealth, however I decided to go with a maid or house cleaner instead. To me, this is a big representation of affluence because having the ability to outsource chores allows a person to have more time to spend on other things. Cleaning is a regular part of life and a task that cannot be ignored. I often find myself wishing I could hire someone to clean because then I would have several extra hours to spend with my family each week. I truly despise cleaning because there is no choice but to do it and if it is neglected it gets worse. Having someone who can tend to the house, make sure it is organized and tidy creates a more relaxed home environment, but the reality is that many people cannot afford this luxury. In this sense, wealth is not just about owning expensive items, but about having enough money to make life simpler.

-Kyla

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For me, some objects I associate with affluence or wealth are Mercedes-Benz cars, gold jewelry for indian familes, and private schooling. Growing up in Malaysia and being indian, these were things I connected to success, status, and family stability. A Mercedes-Benz and overall status in Malaysia were weirdly important. Affluent people to display wealth to show that a family has reached a certain level of financial access. Gold Jewelry also carries this meaning because it is both decorative and a form of stored wealth. Private schooling also represents affluence because it shows that a family can afford better educational opportunities.

On the other hand, I associate working-class life with older, run-down cars, Perodua cars in Malaysia, and motorbikes used by whole families. These objects represent practicality more than status. A Perodua or older car is usually about affordability and getting from one place to another. Motorbikes carrying full families also show how people make do with what they have. They represent working-class survival, budgeting, and everyday life rather than luxury.

I still vividly remember when my parents, more so, moved into the category of higher status, at least in terms of display. Everyone in my family was very excited for them, and they were viewed much higher than before, although people always assumed it was that way, regardless, due to my father's profession and my mother's jewelry from her parents. The biggest deal for Malaysians was sending their kids to private school/International school, and International university studies.

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The object that I associate with everyday that I consider working class and wealthy would be the size and brand of a TV. Purchasing a TV for a working class society is optional knowing it will hit into the budget, where a wealthy society doesn't need to think twice on getting one for their household. A society that has a steady income in their household that can afford buying a 75" Roku smart TV or an at home movie studio that is worth between $1,000-$2,500 which I consider a wealthy object in an individual's living environment. A working class TV would be a regular 28" that ranges from $100-$300 which is much cheaper and affordable for "low income" individuals or families. Having a TV in our society is now becoming more of a requirement in our lives for entertainment, because we all use a TV to play games, watch TV shows and movies, sporting events, and so forth.

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What I associate to be a common symbol of the working class is the black takeout containers with the clear lids that are kept from restaurants. These takeout containers often last for a bit, they reseal nicely and are easy to clean. When I am in someone’s kitchen and open the cupboard to see a large stack of these containers, my brain associates them as working class. In my mind these containers suggest they may not have the time or energy to make dinner every night and opt for takeout often and then keep the containers as a means to save on the expense of tupperware.

An item I attribute as someone having wealth or affluence is a summer car. What I mean by a summer car, is a sports car that is stored away in the winter months and only driven around in the warmer weather months. Types of cars I associate with this are cars such as mustangs, corvettes, porsches etc. When someone has a summer car, to me, it signals that they have enough disposable income to not only have their regular vehicle(s), but in addition spend a good amount of money on something to use for roughly only a quarter of the year and store away for the rest.

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An item I connect to the working class is shoes such as nikes. I think of these shoes as working class because they are affordable, comfortable and easy to work in everyday. When I see people wearing this brand of shoes I think of them as hard working people who are just trying to get by. For the wealthy I think of brands such as Louboutin. These shoes are really expensive. It shows that they do not really have to think of how expensive the item they are buying is. These shoes are also impractical in day to day use and are often just used for show.

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A used car is one thing that I associate with the working class. Used cars are often cheaper and more useful to many members of the working class. Sometimes I think, when I see someone driving an older vehicle, that person is just looking for ways to save money and maximize what they have. A luxury car like a Lamborghini is one thing that I can relate to wealth or affluence. I think it's a connection to money since they cost a lot of money and can be a status symbol. I normally associate Lamborghini with a person who enjoys a big salary and can afford more than the necessities. I feel this way because cars are one of the most obvious indicators of a person's finances, and certain types of cars are seen by society as being associated with a person who is struggling financially or successful.

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Week 6 Backpack Activity: Visshnee Thirikaran

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Week 6 Backpack Activity: Visshnee Thirikaran

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One everyday item I associate with the working class is basic, unbranded clothing such as simple T-shirts, jeans, or hoodies from discount stores, general retailers, or even the thrift store. These types of clothes are chosen mainly for comfort, durability, and affordability rather than brand name or status. In my experience, they represent practicality and the need to manage expenses while still meeting daily clothing needs. In contrast, I associate branded or designer clothing, such as Nike, Adidas, or luxury brands like Gucci, Chanel, with affluence or wealth. These items are often more expensive and are sometimes worn not only for quality but also to signal social status and identity. Branded clothing can communicate style, trend awareness, and higher income. Overall, the difference between unbranded and branded clothing reflects how consumption choices can symbolize social class and economic inequality in everyday life.

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For the working-class, I associate common cars (like an old Honda Civic). Most of the working class do not spend their money on new and expensive cars if they have older ones from family members they can have or even buying one off of someone else for cheap as well. They put their money towards supporting their family instead of having the coolest car.

For the wealthy side of things, I associated certain sports with wealthiness. I see it a lot when I go golfing, I find that a lot of wealthier people are able to go golfing at super expensive courses and even during a week day they are able to not go into work and spend all day golfing. Everything about the sport screams wealthy to me, both the cost to play and also how you have to dress to play.

- Olivia Dixon

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One item I associate with the working class is bringing a homemade lunch to work or school in a reuseable container. It is practical, affordable, and helps save money instead of eating out every day. A lot of working-class families focus on stretching groceries and avoiding unnecessary spending, so packed lunches can represent budgeting and reasonability. It can also reflect less free time or money to spend on convenience foods.

In contrast, I associate expensive meal delivery services or regularly buy lunch from upscale cafes with wealth or influence. Being able to spend $20 or more a day suggests a level of finical comfort where convenience is prioritized over saying money. It can also represent having access to trendy restaurants, healthier foods, or premium coffee without worrying about cost. Because of this, I see daily restaurant lunches connected more with affluences, while packed homemade lunches feel more tied to working-class experiences.  - Jayda Tripp-MacDonald

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An item I associate with the working class is instant noodles. It is usually inexpensive, quick to prepare, and often bought by people who may have tight budgets or even just limited time. In my experience, it is the kind of food people turn to when they need something filling but affordable, especially during busy or financial times.

An item I associate with wealth is Starbucks drinks. People who regularly buy those drinks daily have more of a wealthier income. A drink costs roughly $9, but if you want a customized drink, it will most likely cost more than that. The branding also plays a role, since Starbucks is more known for its customization and aesthetic appeal, which shows a more middle-to-upper-class lifestyle.

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Kraft Dinner and similar inexpensive processed/ packaged meal components I associate it with the working class because it is a cheap and fast meal that is typically relied on when the cost and speed of meal preparation are the main driving factors in food choices. In my own experience it often makes its appearance during the end of the month when I am broke and I need a simple, yet filling and accessible meal. From a sociological standpoint this connects to Rondeau et al. (2009), who demonstrate that a single commodity such as Kraft Dinner can carry a variety of social meanings depending on people's level of wealth; therefore not only is the item food, but also a symbol of disparity within food accessibility and quality. When it comes to Specialty coffee culture like Starbucks and other upscale cafés, I associate it with wealth or affluence due to the fact that it is essentially discretionary spending where an individual is willing to pay for branding, convenience, and the “experience,” not necessity. In my own experience people don’t think of it as a necessity in life and often view it as a part of their lifestyle that can be skipped in times of financial stress or during routine cost-saving measures. Analyically, this represents how people's day-to-day purchasing habits have come to signify an individual’s taste and financial means and to identify themselves as belonging to an elite class that has access to goods and services beyond the essentials required for survival.

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I grew up in a middle class family and my favourite food that my mom would always make for me when I was feeling down or sad. While it is a simple thing that anyone can make and you can buy for cheap, that's part of why I associate it with the middle class and why it's valuable to me. The memories I have of the soup and being a middle class child always have and always will stick with me. That is why I associate Lipton's chicken noodle with the middle class.

An item I associate with the upper class would be a yacht or large boat. I associate a yacht with wealth as a water craft to me is a luxury and not a right. While most things we have are a luxury a yacht is a step above most common luxuries as it is something that is almost certainly a want and not a need. Not just that but the cost of such a thing for a simple want is high enough that most people would never see the amount of money in their lifetime that some people spend on these large boats. I have never once met someone who owns a yacht, primarily because I do not know anyone who is such a degree of upper class that that is a luxury they can afford. That is why I find a yacht to be upper class and why I associate it as such.

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A helpful way to think about this is how everyday objects quietly pick up “social meanings” based on who tends to use them, where they show up, and what they signal in daily life.

One item I tend to associate with working-class life is instant noodles (like Mr. Noodles). Even though they’re not exclusive to any group, they often get linked to students, shift workers, or people stretching their budget. For me, that association comes from seeing them as a quick, inexpensive, and filling meal—something people rely on when time, money, or energy is limited. It’s also common in shared housing or busy work/school environments where convenience matters more than preparation. Because of that, they carry a “getting by” or practical survival feel, even though they can also be comforting and nostalgic.

An item I associate more with affluence is premium coffee brands like Starbucks Reserve or boutique third-wave coffee shops. The association here comes less from coffee itself and more from how it’s consumed: spending several dollars on a single drink, sitting in aesthetically designed spaces, and treating coffee as an experience rather than just caffeine. It can signal disposable income and lifestyle flexibility—having the time and money to “upgrade” something as ordinary as coffee into something curated or artisanal.

What stands out in both cases is that neither item is inherently tied to class, but social context shapes how we read them. The same object can mean “everyday necessity” in one setting and “lifestyle choice” in another.

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Public Transportation & Vehicle Ownership

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Public Transportation & Vehicle Ownership

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One everyday thing I associate with the working class is relying on public transportation. I do not think taking the bus automatically means someone is poor, but I do think it can show how transportation is connected to social class and access to resources. For many people, public transit is not just a choice, but something they rely on because owning a car can be expensive when you consider payments, insurance, gas, maintenance, and repairs. I was thinking recently about how difficult it would be to rely on public transportation for everything, especially things like getting groceries, going to work, or managing appointments. It made me realize how much privilege there is in having regular access to a vehicle and being able to go places without planning around bus schedules or carrying everything with you.

One everyday thing I associate with wealth or affluence is owning multiple cars or having access to a car without feeling financially stressed by it. In my own life, my family is fortunate because my mom, dad, and I each have access to a vehicle, even though one is connected to my dad’s work. I would consider my family more middle class than wealthy, but I still recognize that this is a major privilege. For some people, having a car is a financial burden, while for others, cars represent freedom, convenience, and financial stability. This connects to social inequality because the same basic need, transportation, can look very different depending on someone’s income, resources, and life circumstances.

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Something I associate with the working class is taking the bus. I forget who it was, but a prominent and wealthy online figure once said (and I’m paraphrasing), “If your time is worth something, you don’t waste it by taking public transportation.” The unfortunate thing is, this is right. Almost no one would take the bus if they had a car—I’m no exception. I’ve taken the bus extensively in the past, out of necessity; in my experience, I’ve encountered almost exclusively students and poor people. (It’s a little different in Toronto, where driving downtown is a nightmare, and therefore taking the subway is socially neutral; but my experience is mostly in Peterborough and Kingston, where the bus systems are both unreliable and obviously working-class/student options.) My mother, who is upper-middle-class, refers to people you encounter on the bus as “bus people,” and often scrunches her face in disgust when she says it. I don’t share this sentiment, but these dynamics are undoubtedly present, colouring public perception of taking the bus as physically and socially inferior to driving.

Conversely, associated with affluence is stress-free car ownership. Having sporadic access to my best friend’s car when he’s out of town (and, importantly, not taking on any of the real expenses), I can attest to the fact that having a car is the most convenient thing in the world. Getting groceries or going to work becomes an adventure, where I get to plug in the aux and blast music in this little mobile fortress. Are you hungry at midnight? Take the car to the A&W drive-thru. Life opens up: you can be anywhere, anytime. But because they’re so expensive, this option is only available to certain people; therefore it becomes a symbol of wealth. Poor people often own cars, but they need to worry about car payments, insurance, gas, and repairs—the latter of which can devastate someone without savings, who relies on their car to get to work. The true symbol of wealth is owning a car and not feeling financially burdened, often shown by owning two or more cars (recall those well-known 21 Savage lyrics: “Why you got a twelve-car garage?”), or a luxury car. Luxury car commercials play into this dynamic, offering you not just a product but a lifestyle—everyone knows this. To drive a nice car and not even think about the associated expenses is one of the pinnacles of achievable affluence. Unfortunately, most people will never experience this.

--Graham

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One item that I associate with the working class is public transit, especially taking the bus every day. I associate it with the working class because many people use public transportation to get to work, school, or appointments because it is more affordable than owning a car. Growing up, I saw many hardworking people relying on buses and transit systems to get where they needed to go. To me, it represents people working hard and trying to manage everyday expenses.

One item that I associate with wealth or affluence is luxury cars such as a Mercedes-Benz or Tesla. I associate these cars with wealth because they are expensive to buy and maintain. People often view luxury cars as a symbol of success, status, and financial stability. When I see these types of vehicles, I usually think of people who have a higher income or more financial freedom.

I think people often connect certain objects or brands with social class because of their cost, popularity, and the way society presents them in media and everyday life.

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When I think of the working class the thing that comes to my mind is thrift store. There are many people who shop at places like Value Village and The Thrift Store because they need affordable options. People in the working class feel proud when they find a cheaper shirt instead of paying 50 dollars for the same shirt at an expensive store. They think people would judge them because they got clothes from thirft store and feel embarrassed about it. I believe that the working class are always on a budget when it comes to buying something.

On the other hand , expensive jewelry is the thing that comes to my mind which is associate to wealth. Brands like Tiffany and Co. and Swarovski sell diamond rings and necklaces that can cost thousands of dollars and most people buy them just to show off their social status. The working class cannot afford jewelry from luxury store but they usually buy something cheap from a dollar store or a fake designer piece. I think there is a huge gap between someone casually wearing an expensive necklace on a daily basis and someone who cannot even afford a basic piece without feeling guilty.

Tvishaa Desai

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It is really easy to see the social inequality in society even when there is equality of opportunity in the society because there is not an equality of condition in the socioeconomic status of an individual, which means wealthy people have hidden advantages naturally associated with them. People with high economic wealth, power, prestige, and resources get access to private schooling with better education and opportunities to grow. Private schooling is associated with high tuition fees, expensive transportation costs, high expenses for extracurricular activities, specialised programmes, and more social connections. Schools in Canada such as Havergal College, Branksome Hall, and Appleby College are prestigious and not affordable by the working class. I belong to the working class and have not even heard the names of all the wealthy schools in my own area. Children belonging to families of the working class attend public schools and experience fewer resources, less individual attention, limited funding with few extracurricular activities and overcrowded classrooms. Higher and better education is often connected to higher income, which therefore results in upward mobility for upper-class people.

I am uncertain about the structure and functioning of public high schools in Canada, but to be honest, the public schools in India (from where I belong) really reflect poor education, lack of resources and staff shortages, and most of the working class rely on public schooling. Schools with high educational boards such as CBSE, ICSC, etc., are only affordable by the wealthy class, which can be easily viewed in society. The concepts discussed by Karl Marx and Max Weber about class help to explain how institutions such as education can reproduce social inequality at a broader level and can be seen in everyday life through opportunities, class inequality and privileges.

Lovepreet Kaur

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Week 6 Working Class vs The Wealthy: Food Items

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Week 6 Working Class vs The Wealthy: Food Items

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In associating an item to the working class I have chosen processed foods, specifically processed cheese and deli meats. To me this embodies the identity of the working class as it is typically a food that is eaten by lower income households due to its convenience in preparing the food and its low prices when being purchased from the grocery store. Processed cheese and deli meats can be eaten by all aspects of a low income household whether that be the parental figures using the items to make sandwiches to take with them for work lunches or to make for children to take with them to school for lunches. This is a staple in low income households and fits the food aspect of what day to day diets can look like for working class families.

While looking at the normalities of wealthy living I have chosen a more valuable and expensive food item of steak. Steak is often related to wealth as it is an expense of beef that is viewed in having luxurious life and extravagant meals. Steak is also often paired with eating out at a restaurant that serves high quality dishes for an unaffordable price for working class families. I also view steak as a wealthy meal because of the contrast it has when lower income houses have steak. Often in lower class households steak is obtainable for meals but it is treated more as a once in a while treat rather than a consistent dish within the families budget.

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An example of an object I would connect to the working class is either instant noodles or store brands that are sold. The reason I would connect them to the working class is the low cost, convenience, and availability to purchase these types of goods for those on a budget. As a growing child and a student, cheap and easy-to-make meals can sometimes be practical if you are on a tight budget. Therefore, such products can symbolize budgeting skills and how one can make ends meet despite having limited funds.

An example of an object I would connect to affluence would be designer labels such as Louis Vuitton or Gucci. Designer labels are associated with the wealthy due to their costliness, status symbol, and luxury aspects. They are not just purchases made for practical purposes; they also serve as luxury items and indicate one's status. People who have luxurious designer items evoke the association with being financially comfortable.

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For me a Tim Hortons coffee cup is a working class symbol. I link it to the working class because a lot of students, shift workers, construction workers, and people working long hours often stop there for cheap coffee and quick food. In my view, it means convenience, routine, and trying to get through a busy day on a budget. It is often viewed as more accessible to everyday workers and students, with prices lower than those of many specialty cafes.

On the other hand, I associate Louis Vuitton products with wealth and affluence. This brand’s luxury handbags, shoes and accessories are very costly and are often linked with status, prestige and luxury lifestyles. These products are purchased by people not only for their quality but also to show social status and financial success. For me, it's something associated with upper-class lifestyles and economic privilege, because of the high prices and exclusivity of the brand.

These associations come from what I have seen in society, in the media and in everyday life, where certain brands become symbols of either affordability and hard work, or of luxury and social status.

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When I think about working class and wealth, clothing is a big topic that comes to mind. Clothes are a part of people’s everyday lives and are used to express your personality, interested, and they can also express financial status.

A clothing I would associate with working-class would be clothes from a store such as Walmart. Walmart is a shop that offers a wide variety of products, with clothing being one of them. I feel as though clothes from Walmart can be associated with working class as they may be more affordable, and convenient. Buying clothes at Walmart may save money, rather than going to name brand stores, and is something that can be done alongside with grocery shopping or going to the pharmacy. I believe another point would be that people of working class may shop for clothes as they need clothes themselves, and less as a fashion statement,

On the other hand, I believe a store such as Chanel would be associated with wealth. This store makes clothes and accessories as its primary purpose. Their products are expensive and bought mainly for the brand name. I think it would be associated with wealth, as I imagine people who have a higher financial status may not only want clothes for the purpose of wearing them but also as a sign of money and wealth, and would go out of their way to do so.

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When I think of the working class, steel‑toe work boots come to my mind. I grew up seeing people wear them for jobs that were long, physical, and pretty exhausting, which includes construction, warehouse shifts and others. They’ve always felt like a symbol of the hard worker who wears a reflective vest, even when the work is tough or underappreciated.

I have used the clothing brand of Gucci, is something that I or anyone else can immediately connect with wealth becuase of the popularity and reputation. Whenever I see someone with a Gucci belt or bag, it gives off this energy of having extra money to spend on things that are more important than neccesities (extra money to waste/spend basically). For me, Gucci represents a level of comfort and financial freedom where you can buy something simply because it’s luxurious, not because you need it. That’s why it stands out as a symbol of affluence in my mind.

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Working Class Vacation VS Affluent Vacation

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Working Class Vacation VS Affluent Vacation

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The item or experience I associate with the working class is a family camping vacation, while I associate a skiing trip in Banff with wealth and affluence.

In my experience, a working-class vacation often happens close to home and focuses on affordability. My family would go camping in Algonquin Park, where we packed everything we needed, including food, clothing, and hygiene products. Campsites cost around $52 per night, so a vacation for a family of eight could be managed for just over $300. Our camping gear was collected over time and was practical rather than expensive. Entertainment came from free activities like hiking, swimming, visiting beaches, and exploring nature. These trips created meaningful memories without requiring a large financial investment.

In contrast, I associate wealth with vacations that involve significant spending and convenience. A skiing trip to Banff is a good example. For someone living in Ontario, getting there requires expensive travel, such as flights or long-distance driving. In addition to transportation, there are costs for hotels or chalets, which can range from $2,000 to $4,000 per week, as well as meals and recreational expenses. Unlike camping, this type of vacation relies on purchasing services and experiences rather than bringing resources from home.

Overall, I view camping as representing working-class values of budgeting, planning, and self-sufficiency, while a luxury ski trip represents affluence through the ability to spend freely on travel, accommodations, and leisure.

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One item I associate with the working class is an older used vehicle, especially practical cars that are kept running for years out of necessity rather than for aesthetics or appearance. In contrast, I associate luxury vehicles and brands such as Mercedes-Benz, Ferrari, and Cadillac with wealth and affluence. These vehicles are expensive to purchase and maintain, and they are often viewed as status symbols. Because of this, they can represent financial comfort, social status, and access to disposable income in ways that more practical vehicles do not.

Alongside this, I also associate thrifted or lower-cost clothing with the working class. Clothing from stores such as Walmart, Winners, fast-fashion brands like Ardene or Garage, and thrift stores such as Value Village or Talize are often associated with affordability and practicality. In contrast, I associate brands such as Lululemon, WLKN, and Levi’s with higher price points that may be less accessible to many working-class individuals. Luxury brands such as Chanel, Gucci, Louis Vuitton, and Tiffany & Co. are examples of brands I associate with extreme wealth due to their exclusivity, high prices, and reputation as status symbols.

Abigail M.

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One item that I connect with the working class is a packed meal taken to the work. I link it to the working class because many workers opt for homemade meals to economize rather than purchasing costly food from outside. This evokes images of individuals managing their finances. I also relate it to healthier eating, as homemade meals tend to be more nutritious and balanced compared to fast food. Preparing meals at home enables individuals to manage ingredients, portion sizes, and food selections while saving money. This practice represents the commitment that many working-class families demonstrate in their pursuit of health while navigating limited resources.

Conversely, I associate wealth with a private yacht. Owning a Yachts doesn’t come cheap. Maintenance is very expensive, only the very wealthy people can afford them. They are associated with luxurious lifestyles, vacations, and financial achievement. Yachts are looked at as emblems of elevated social standing and privilege. They provide comfort, privacy, and experiences that many individuals cannot afford. Therefore, they’re regarded as items that signify wealth and economic influence.

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Items and objects in everyday life that I would associate with the working class or the affluent in Canada are somewhat difficult because the society is organized in such a way that most items and objects the rich can afford can also be bought by the working class if their credit score is good; hence, the gap between the rich and the poor is not noticeably wide. As a result, I would select my case study from an African country such as Nigeria, where there is a significant wealth gap between the affluent and the working class, items cannot be purchased based on one’s credit score; rather, products are purchased outright. Hence, a person can either afford it or he/she cannot. A popular product I can associate with the Nigerian working class is “sachet water” or “pure water”. This is simply water in a sachet. It is the most affordable popular drinking water in Nigeria, where tap water is unreliable. While the working class cannot afford bottled water, sachet water is cheap and available.

On the other hand, a product I would associate with the affluent in Nigeria is brand-new cars. New cars are expensive, and because there is no provision to obtain car loans, only the rich can afford them, while the working class can only afford used cars.

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One object that I associate with the working class is older pickup trucks. Older trucks are often used because they are reliable, practical, and can be more affordable than newer vehicles. I find individuals who work physically demanding jobs, such as construction workers, farmers, landscapers, or mechanics own pick up trucks, old or new. These trucks are often valued for their function rather than appearance, and they can represent hard work, long hours, and making practical financial choices. To me, an older truck symbolized using what you have and focusing on necessity. I associate brand-new luxury pickup trucks with wealth and affluence. Newer trucks, especially fully loaded models with expensive upgrades, can cost a very large amount of money. Features like leather interiors, large touchscreens, lifted suspensions, and custom rims make them feel more connected to comfort and appearance than just work, the truck now has all the bells and whistles. I associate these newer trucks with affluence because owning one with all the bells and whistles to me, suggests that someone has the financial ability to spend extra money on luxury features and maintain a high-end vehicle. These differences show how even similar objects, like pickup trucks, can have very different social meanings depending on their condition, cost, and how they are used.

Maddie Nelson

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A used older-model automobile, particularly one from a manufacturer like an older Ford Focus or Honda Civic, is something that I personally identify with the working class. Because these cars are useful, reasonably priced, dependable, and frequently bought out of need rather than prestige, I identify them with the working class. Growing up, I saw that a lot of folks who worked several jobs or were concerned about conserving money tended to prefer fuel-efficient and low-maintenance cars. To me, these vehicles represent hard labor and functionality rather than luxury or style.

On the other hand, one thing I identify with riches or opulence is a luxury handbag brand such as Louis Vuitton. Because of its high costs, exclusivity, and close ties to status and image in popular culture, I identify this brand with wealth. People may utilize luxury goods to show off their social standing or financial stability because they are frequently promoted as symbols of success. I associate these objects more with affluence and greater social standing since, unlike useful everyday items, they are typically not bought out of need.

Personal observations as well as more general cultural messages about class, consumerism, and status symbols are the sources of these linkages.

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One item that is used in everyday life is a vehicle. There are many different brands of cars and many different models of cars. This means that each brand, to the general public, has an association with a socioeconomic status. Brands like Honda, Toyota, Nissan, and Mazda, I typically associate with the working class because their vehicles lean towards the more affordable side as their typical starting price for a car is between $24,000 to $30,000, respectively. For example, these prices are ranges for a sedan; Honda Accord, Toyota Camry, Mazda 3, and the Nissan Sentra. While I associate brands like Mercedes, Audi, Porsche, and Lamborghini as more affluent brands. These cars can start at $60,000; Audi Q5 S Line, Mercedes GLC 300 AMG upwards into $200,000-$1,000,000; Lamborghini Urus, Porsche GT3. With these types of cars, you typically see them more around big cities because that is where people with higher paying jobs are located meaning they are able to afford such luxury cars. On today's streets, you typically see the working class driving affordable vehicles and the wealthy with more luxurious vehicles. An everyday item like a car to travel around is usually, most of the time, a sign of someone's class status.

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It is hard for me to pick one item or object, so I will choose clothing, but more so where you get your clothing from. Second hand stores like Value Village, Talize, or charitable organizations like the Salvation Army can be seen as something associated with the working class or those who are part of the lower socioeconomic class. Whereas shopping directly from brand name stores in stripmalls or plazas is associated with wealthy individuals who can afford the high prices just because of the name attached to the pieces of fabric.

To me, clothing is a basic necessity that everyone has a right to. It does not matter where you have gotten the clothing from so long as you are comfortable and covered up appropriately for the weather. But, for some reason, depending on whether you are wearing a Banana Republic t-shirt or some unknown t-shirt that looks the exact same, you will be looked at and thought of differently.

Hannah Slessor

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When I think of items for the wealthy class, I would associate them with brands like Gucci, Balmain and Canada Goose. These brands are all very pricey for anyone that would be considered the working class, they usually range from $500 to over $1000, this can then make them unrealistic purchases for many working class people, because of these high prices they then have a strong reputation as luxury brands. On the other hand, I would then consider roots, old navy and Under amer as brands that would be more affordable for the working class. These brands offer good quality clothing at a much more affordable price, making them more accessible to a wider range of people. I think these brands are much more affordable than the high end and expensive prices.

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When I think of items for the wealthy, I usually think of high-end brands. Specifically, I think of brands such as Canada Goose. Each time I go to a wealthier area, such as Yorkdale Mall, Canada Goose jackets seem to be everywhere. Wealthy families will even buy the jackets for their little children. These jackets go for thousands of dollars, making it a clothing item that is extremely inaccessible to the working class population. I also view these jackets as an extreme display of wealth, as they are technically no more functional than a standard winter coat that is sold at a much cheaper price. - Madeleine Fargo

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The first item which came to mind when thinking about objects/property of the wealthy is houses, specifically having one or more houses. I’ve grown up in a fairly privileged family, which has allowed us to have a vacation home, but as I’ve grown older, I have learned how much this increasingly speaks to wealth. I believe that having more than one home in this housing market, or even depending on the area, having one house is a privilege which is often undermined and overlooked by wealthier individuals.

On the contrary, when I think of an item which corresponds more to the working class, I think of very sugary and processed cereals and other extremely processed foods like ramen noodles. I make this attribution because, based on their prices, they are more accessible to lower-wage individuals, while wealthy individuals have the privilege of paying more attention to the source of their food items. Moreover, working-class individuals frequently do not have the time or access to healthy foods, making processed foods more convenient.

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The items I pick are fridges and stoves.  Fridges that are store house name fridges or not name brand fridges are generally associated with the working class. Stoves that you are not name brand are associated with the working class as well. The reason is because working class people generally don’t have $1100 to $5000 dollars to pay out of pocket for a Samsung or a smart fridge. Fridges like Hi Sense or store house name fridges can be more reasonably priced like $500 to $700 dollars. For example: Samsung stoves generally cost over $1000 dollars; where the store name house stoves can cost between 500 to 700 dollars. These kinds of prices save working class people quite a bit of money. When it comes to wealthy people, brands like Samsung or other brand name  appliances for stoves or fridges are what I associate with the wealthier class. For example a smart electric stove is over $1000 dollars and a smart fridge (Samsung) can cost over $1100 to $ 5000 dollars. In my opinion, in this economy the generally working class doesn't have that kind of for these types of appliances and that's why I associate it with the wealthy class.

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One everyday item that I associate with working class is No Name ketchup.  I grew up in a single-parent home where money was always a challenge and my mom used to mostly buy no name products.  One item that I recall is No Name ketchup because my mom used to buy it and pour it into an empty Heinz container, so it looked like brand name.  This experience stuck with me because it was probably the first time, I realized that even something so small has class meaning and significance.  No name products took on the meaning of affordability and the need to save everywhere possible which I ultimately associate with working class.

On the other side, an item I associate with wealth and affluence is Mercedes Benz.  My grandfather has owned several cars made by Mercedes Benz over the years. On one occasion, he let me drive his car over to my friend’s house.  I remember how my friend’s parents commented that night about the car brand and I could sense that there was prestige associated with driving it.  I had a feeling that you must be wealthy to drive one of these cars.  In contrast, I can honestly say that no one ever implied that I am rich or important when I drive my mom’s 10 year old Hyundai.

I think that the No Name ketchup and the Mercedes Benz car are two examples of how everyday items can symbolize class status, similar to how Kraft dinner took on different meanings to food secure and food insecure individuals.

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Working Class Associated Items

Tim Hortons coffee

Walmart clothing brands

Older used cars

Public transit passes

Hamburger helper

Wealth/Affluence Associated Items

Lululemon clothing

Luxury handbags (Louis Vuitton, Gucci)

Luxury cars (Mercedes, BMW, Tesla)

Apple products

High-end gym memberships (usually not chain gyms)

Working Class Associated Item: An item that I associate with the working class is Tim Hortons coffee. I associate Tim Hortons coffee with the working class because it is one of the cheapest ‘fast food’ coffees (meaning not made at home). The aspect of Tim Hortons drive thru is convenient because a lot of working class workers are starting early shifts or overnight shifts. Many people who work at these late hours are going to Tim Hortons because it is inexpensive and accessible and other high end coffee shops like local small business places, or Starbucks are not open at that hour.

Wealth/Affluence Associated Item: An item that I associate with wealth is Lululemon clothing. I associate Lululemon clothing with the wealthy society because it is more expensive than many other athletic clothing brands that are the same material/quality, the only difference is the logo associated with the article of clothing. Lululemon now has sweatpants that are also overpriced, and even accessories like $20 hair clips/elastics, $100 yoga mats, that can all be purchased for a much cheaper price at other stores without the Lululemon logo. I believe that owning several pieces and accessories from Lululemon suggests that the individual has extra disposable income.

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Working Class

An item that I think associate with working class are luxury handbags like LV. People who carry that around in public want to convey the illusion of being part of a different social class.

Wealth Class

An everyday object that is associated with the wealth class is wearing very basic minimal clothing. The reason behind this thought is because they don't have the psychological need to portray their wealth.

For both cases, it may seem counterintuitive to portray the opposite of their social stratification. The working class wants to hide their working class identity in order to be treated a little bit differently. While the wealth class wants to hide their social class because they have experienced the negative outcomes of flaunting money.

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Working class

One item that I associate with the working class is steel toe boots. I associate them with the working class because they are commonly worn and physically demanding  jobs such as construction, factory work, and warehouse jobs. These boots are practical and necessary for safety rather than fashion which makes me connect them with hard work in labor intensive occupationsThey represent people who work long hours and rely on physical work to earn a living.

Wealth

One brand that I associate with wealth or affluence is coach, I associate coach with wealth because handbags and accessories are expensive compared to many regular clothing and fashion brands. Coach products are often seen as stylish luxury items and are associated with higher social status and disposable income. I also think social media and celebrity culture contribute to the brand's image as fashionable and upscale because of the price and reputation of the brand. Owning coach products can sometimes be viewed as a sign of affluence.

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Wealthy

A makeup vanity full of luxury products. I think that it is a privilege to have the money and capability to get up and get ready at a clean, organized, luxury vanity and use products that cost up to 100$ each. A lot of people dont have it, and it is not needed, which I feel makes it even more valuable to own because it's the extra stuff that I can afford and none of it is essential, yet I still get to use it every day!

Working class

A phone. It's a very “basic” item (In my society) that everyone around me uses, and it's the place for all sorts of sociological connections and norms. In todays society, its hard to come by someone who doesnt have a phone because of how popular they are, but its a working class item because i still need to work to afford it and i know in other parts of the world or even for homeless people here in canada, it can be an item thats expensive and if you cant make enough to afford it, it is seen as unnecessary or unaffordable.