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. 

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

• Maddie Nelson

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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

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.

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

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.

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.

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. 

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.

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

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

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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. 

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