Heroization and Exploitation of First-Gens

Authors:

Abstract: Understanding the role organizations play in creating and reproducing socioeconomic disparities is important. Much of the existing theories on this topic focus on prejudice and negative attributions. For example, past research has found that evaluators in the labor market tend to hold negative stereotypes about the competence and cultural fit of first-gen students. We offer a new perspective on social class disadvantage: the role of positive stereotypes. Specifically, we propose that first-gen college students are heroized. When they reveal their first-gen status, they are more likely to be perceived as heroes. They are seen as having heroic qualities, and their lives are seen as resembling a hero’s journey. We further propose that this heroization relates to the exploitation of first-gen college students. Complementing past research, this paper suggests that class disparities can also emerge through positive attributions. Employers may exploit first-gen college students because of positive stereotypes.

Track: DEI

Keywords: social class, first-gen, stereotypes, hero, exploitation