Examining Social Class as Culture and Identity

Social class is more than just a number in a person’s bank account–it’s a meaningful cultural context that shapes how people understand themselves and the world around them. Join Rebecca Carey, Ph.D. for a special guest lecture that highlights research on the complex ways that social class shapes peoples’ experiences and psychologies, including how social class shapes close relationships, intergroup interactions, and identity. Additionally, this talk will delve into the practical application of this research for understanding and addressing social class disparities in health, well-being, and education.

Rebecca Carey is an Assistant Professor of Psychology at Princeton University, where she directs the Adversity and Relationships in Context Lab. Her research examines how social class shapes people’s close relationships and, in turn, how those relationships influence thoughts, emotions, and long-term outcomes like health and well-being. Drawing from psychology, sociology, and education, her work uses a mix of methods—from experiments and daily diaries to interviews and field studies—to understand how social structures become psychologically meaningful. She is particularly interested in how relationships can either reinforce or reduce inequality. Carey received her Ph.D. in Psychology from Stanford University and her B.A. in Psychology and Chinese from Trinity University.

This lecture is presented as part of the Roots & Wings Speaker Series, which brings esteemed, student-nominated interdisciplinary scientists across academia and industry to campus to discuss their research and to share their research journey. Roots & Wings seeks to help students learn about the varied paths to meaningful careers in STEM.