Deficit-based language focuses on what people lack rather than what they possess. Instead, use specific asset-based, people-first language when discussing income inequality to avoid emphasis on lack of resources and negative connotations associated with terms such as “at-risk,” “poor,” or “low-class.”
Asset-based language, such as “students striving to overcome a threatening culture and graduate,” emphasizes aspirations.
Use specific language to address the quality or lack of housing or length of time without housing. For example: “students experiencing homelessness,” “people who are homeless,” “people in emergency shelter,” or “people in transitional housing,” rather than calling people “the homeless.”
Avoid language about social class and race or ethnicity by using slang language like “inner city,” “hood,” “projects,” or “ghetto.” Specify race or ethnicity and measures of socioeconomic standing separately: “low-income African American families in urban Chicago.”