Sociology attracts many students who are the first people in their families to attend college (first-generation), or who grew up as or identify as working-class. Some of these students become sociology graduate students and eventually professional sociologists. First-generation and working-class (FGWC) sociologists may face barriers to inclusion, economic insecurity, and the challenges that come with uncovering the hidden curriculum of academia. FGWC Sociologists also bring a unique perspective to their research, teaching, and mentoring of students and colleagues. 

Most scholarly study and artistic representation in the world have been about the great and powerful. Working-Class Studies aims to focus both broadly and intimately on working-class lives, cultures, politics, economics, and social movements. The Working-Class Studies Association formed in 2003 to further this goal. We are an international group dedicated to developing working-class studies as a field within higher education and public discourse.