The environment we grow up in, particularly during our formative years, can significantly shape our behaviors and attitudes later in life.

For those who grew up in lower class neighborhoods, this is often even truer.

This isn’t about stereotypes or stigmatizing. It’s about understanding the common behaviors and attitudes that can manifest from such an upbringing.

In this article, we’re going to explore nine behaviors frequently displayed by adults who have grown up in lower class neighborhoods.

These behaviors aren’t about assigning blame, but instead, providing context and understanding.

Let’s get started.

1) Resilience in the face of adversity

Growing up in a lower class neighborhood often means facing financial struggles, and sometimes, even lack of resources.

This isn’t about painting a picture of doom and gloom, but acknowledging the reality many people face.

And this reality can sometimes foster an incredible resilience in people.

When you’re faced with adversity from a young age, you often develop the ability to persevere. This resilience becomes an integral part of your identity.

In the face of challenges, adults who grew up in lower class neighborhoods frequently display an impressive ability to keep going, to push through and not give up.

This isn’t about romanticizing struggle. It’s about recognizing that these experiences can shape people into incredibly resilient individuals. 

2) Value of community

Growing up in a lower class neighborhood, I learned firsthand the power of community.

I grew up in a tight-knit community where everybody knew everybody, and we all relied on one another. Our neighborhood wasn’t the wealthiest, but it was rich in many other ways.

We shared what we had, looked out for each other’s kids and came together in times of need. This sense of community became a lifeline for many of us.

As an adult, I’ve carried this with me. The value I place on community and connection is deeply rooted in my upbringing.

Whether it’s lending a hand to a neighbor or volunteering in my local area, I continue to seek out ways to contribute and be part of a community. This is a common trait among adults who grew up in similar environments. It’s about recognizing that we’re all in this together.

3) Greater empathy

Moving through the world with a heightened sense of empathy is another common behavior among adults from lower class neighborhoods.

Studies have found that those who have experienced economic hardship often display higher levels of empathy. This is possibly because they understand what it’s like to struggle and are more attuned to the hardships of others.

It’s not uncommon for these individuals to go out of their way to help others, often prioritizing kindness and compassion in their interactions. This empathy can make them excellent friends, colleagues, and community members, often going above and beyond for those around them.

4) Thrifty living

Growing up in a lower class neighborhood often necessitates learning how to make do with less.

This kind of upbringing can instill a strong sense of thriftiness. As an adult, this might translate into being a savvy shopper, an expert at finding the best deals, or someone who is particularly good at stretching a dollar.

It’s not about being cheap, but rather about valuing what you have and making the most out of it. This is a skill that can serve individuals well throughout their life, helping them navigate financial challenges with creativity and resourcefulness.

5) The pursuit of education

Many adults from lower class neighborhoods understand the value of education and often pursue it relentlessly.

Growing up, they might have seen education as a way out of their economic circumstances. As a result, they frequently strive to gain knowledge, skills, and qualifications that can lead to better opportunities.

This pursuit often continues into adulthood, with many continuously seeking to improve themselves through learning, whether formally or informally.

Education becomes more than just about academics – it’s seen as a potential game changer, a key that can open doors to a better future.

6) Gratitude for the small things

When you grow up with less, you often learn to appreciate the small things in life.

The smell of a home-cooked meal, the warmth of a tight-knit community, or the simple joy of a sunny day. These might seem like ordinary things to some, but to those who grew up in lower class neighborhoods, they can often carry a special significance.

As adults, this gratitude can permeate everyday life, turning seemingly mundane moments into cherished ones. It becomes a way to celebrate life’s simple pleasures and find joy even in the midst of hardship.

This deep-rooted gratitude can make these individuals incredibly positive and uplifting to be around, reminding us all of the beauty that lies in life’s simplest moments.

7) Hard work as second nature

Growing up in a lower class neighborhood, I learned early on that if I wanted something, I had to work for it.

Nothing was handed to me on a silver platter. This instilled in me a work ethic that has stayed with me into adulthood.

Whether it’s pursuing a career, raising a family, or chasing a dream, hard work is simply part of the equation for me.

And this is a common thread among many adults from similar backgrounds. There’s an understanding that if you want to change your circumstances, you have to be willing to put in the time and effort. It’s not about seeking an easy way out, but about being prepared to roll up your sleeves and get to work.

8) Strong sense of loyalty

Loyalty is often a deeply ingrained trait in those who grew up in lower class neighborhoods.

This loyalty can extend to family, friends, community, and even to their neighborhood itself. It’s about standing by those who stand by you, and not forgetting where you came from.

As adults, this sense of loyalty can translate into strong relationships and a commitment to support those around them. It’s about sticking together, especially in times of hardship, and valuing the bonds that tie us together.

This strong sense of loyalty can make these individuals dependable friends, supportive family members, and dedicated community advocates.

9) Unwavering determination

Above all, growing up in a lower class neighborhood often breeds an unwavering determination.

Faced with the hardships of their environment, many develop a resolve that is not easily shaken. This determination can drive them to pursue their goals relentlessly, overcoming obstacles that would deter others.

As adults, this unwavering determination can be one of their most defining traits, pushing them to strive for a better life, not just for themselves, but often for their families and communities as well.

It’s about not letting their past dictate their future, and using their experiences as fuel to drive them forward.

Final thoughts: It’s about perspective

The behaviors and attitudes shaped by a lower class neighborhood upbringing aren’t just random traits. They’re a testament to resilience, community, empathy, and determination.

They remind us that our beginnings don’t have to dictate our endings. And that adversity can often breed strength.

In the words of the renowned author J.K. Rowling, “It is our choices…that show what we truly are, far more than our abilities.”

For those who grew up in lower class neighborhoods, these choices often reflect a remarkable resilience and tenacity.

So the next time you encounter these behaviors, pause and reflect on what they signify – the strength to overcome, the power of community, and the relentless pursuit of a better future.