Northeast Ohio Regional Library System
The Myths and Misconceptions of Socioeconomic Status in the U.S.
Date/Time
8/12/2026
10:00 AM - 11:00 AM Eastern
10:00 AM - 11:00 AM Eastern
Event Registration
Competency
Equity, Diversity, & Inclusion and Patron Awareness
Event Description
Classism is considered by some to be the “last socially acceptable form of hatred.” The myths and misconceptions that we hold about members of the poor and working class in the United States are pervasive and come from our beliefs about who is “hardworking” and who is “lazy”. This has huge implications for the way that we evaluate and treat our clients, coworkers, and other key stakeholders in our organizations.
In this session, participants will explore the concepts of socioeconomic status, stratification, and social mobility, with a focus on social and cultural capital in the workplace. Through group dialogue and activities, they will have the opportunity to discuss how access to social and cultural capital can impact social mobility. Finally, participants will engage with practical strategies that may be applied to mitigate the negative impact of socioeconomic status bias on personal and organizational levels.
Learning Objectives:
Miles Kalainaina (they/them/theirs) is a Senior Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB) Specialist at the Diversity Center of Northeast Ohio. Their work at the Diversity Center focuses on facilitating programs for professionals. They also greatly enjoy qualitative research and use this skill to analyze climate surveys, focus groups, and other services for clients. Miles’ strength is building rapport and creating spaces where participants can show vulnerability and engage in these important topics.
In this session, participants will explore the concepts of socioeconomic status, stratification, and social mobility, with a focus on social and cultural capital in the workplace. Through group dialogue and activities, they will have the opportunity to discuss how access to social and cultural capital can impact social mobility. Finally, participants will engage with practical strategies that may be applied to mitigate the negative impact of socioeconomic status bias on personal and organizational levels.
Learning Objectives:
- Explore the concepts of socioeconomic status, stratification, and social mobility
- Learn practical strategies that may be applied to mitigate the negative impact of socioeconomic status bias
Miles Kalainaina (they/them/theirs) is a Senior Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB) Specialist at the Diversity Center of Northeast Ohio. Their work at the Diversity Center focuses on facilitating programs for professionals. They also greatly enjoy qualitative research and use this skill to analyze climate surveys, focus groups, and other services for clients. Miles’ strength is building rapport and creating spaces where participants can show vulnerability and engage in these important topics.Location
Setting: Live Virtual
Online via Zoom
UNITED STATES
Online via Zoom
UNITED STATES
Contact Person
Details
Who should attend: Anyone wanting to learn about socioeconomic status in the U.S.
Competencies: Equity, Diversity & Inclusion, and Patron Awareness
Non-Member Cost: $40
NEO-RLS Bronze Member Cost: $24
NEO-RLS Silver Member Cost: FREE
NEO-RLS Gold Member Cost: FREE
NEO-RLS Individual Member Cost: $20
This webinar will not be recorded per the policy of the Diversity Center of Northeast Ohio.
It’s never too late to save your library money. NEO-RLS Memberships are pro-rated! Call us today to join.
Competencies: Equity, Diversity & Inclusion, and Patron Awareness
Non-Member Cost: $40
NEO-RLS Bronze Member Cost: $24
NEO-RLS Silver Member Cost: FREE
NEO-RLS Gold Member Cost: FREE
NEO-RLS Individual Member Cost: $20
This webinar will not be recorded per the policy of the Diversity Center of Northeast Ohio.
It’s never too late to save your library money. NEO-RLS Memberships are pro-rated! Call us today to join.
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