Final answer:
The justification for oppressing the poor and working poor by those in control of resources is known as Classism. It is a belief system that justifies social and economic inequalities based on economic status and wealth, where the elite exploit lower classes and perpetuate systemic injustices. The correct answer to this question is B) Classism.
Step-by-step explanation:
The student is asking about the justification used for the oppression of the poor and working poor by those in power. The correct answer to this question is B) Classism. This term refers to a system of power structured on economic status where individuals in higher classes exploit and oppress the working class, often justified by the idea that those with power ‘earned’ it, while ignoring the systematic structure that necessitates a working class and inevitably generates inequalities.
Class systems emphasize social inequalities and tend to be supported by capitalism and other economic structures that create stratification among individuals based on wealth and power. Inequality in this context refers to the unequal distribution of resources, which is often a direct result of classism, an unjust hierarchy where those in control allocate resources in a manner that further oppresses marginalized groups. This can manifest in various aspects of society such as healthcare disparities, access to opportunities, and intergenerational wealth.