noun. , plural dis·par·i·ties. lack of similarity or equality; inequality; difference: a disparity in age; disparity in rank.

Classism refers to the institutional, cultural, and individual set of practices and beliefs that assign differential value to people according to their socioeconomic class, as well as an economic system that creates excessive inequality and causes basic human needs to go unmet. ².

For example, Americans living in rural areas are more likely to die from unintentional injuries, heart disease, cancer, stroke and chronic lower respiratory disease than their urban counterparts. These health disparities account for significant costs to states and communities.