---
title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: Is class snobbery a social reality in the…"
description: "\"Is class snobbery a social reality in the United States? Absolutely, and the kind that's codified by meritocracy is probably more toxic than the old-fa..."
image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/0c9/timothy-noah-2744_absolutely_is-class-snobbery-a-social-reality-in-th_147706.jpg"
---

#  Is class snobbery a social reality in the United States?…

![“Is class snobbery a social reality in the United States? Absolutely, and the kind that's codified by meritocracy is probably more toxic than the old-fashioned kind based on bloodlines.” quote by Timothy Noah](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/0c9/timothy-noah-2744_absolutely_is-class-snobbery-a-social-reality-in-th_147706.jpg)   [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/0c9/timothy-noah-2744_absolutely_is-class-snobbery-a-social-reality-in-th_147706.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/0c9/timothy-noah-2744_absolutely_is-class-snobbery-a-social-reality-in-th_147706.jpg)

> “Is class snobbery a social reality in the United States? Absolutely, and the kind that's codified by meritocracy is probably more toxic than the old-fashioned kind based on bloodlines.”

[Timothy Noah](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/timothy-noah/)

## About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

Class snobbery persists in the US, now hidden behind meritocratic ideals, making it more insidious than traditional lineage‑based bias.

**In simple terms:** Class snobbery is real, masked by meritocracy.

Key Takeaway

Recognize and challenge hidden class biases.

Themes

class snobbery meritocracy

Mood

critical inquisitive

Type

political analytical

When to use this quote

- education policy
- employment practices
- media representation
- public discourse

Key Concepts

social stratification political theory

Questions to Reflect On

- How does meritocracy mask inequality?
- What steps reduce class‑based discrimination?

A Different Perspective

Meritocracy can also promote mobility.

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[Class](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/class/) [Meritocracy](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/meritocracy/) [Old fashioned](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/old-fashioned/) [Reality](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/reality/) [Snobbery](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/snobbery/) [Social](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/social/) [United states](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/united-states/)

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