haves / have-nots
Last updatedWhat to know
These are vague descriptors for an individual or group’s socioeconomic status. Often used together as a sense of contrast, the term generally ignores the broader cultural and societal factors behind poverty and class division. In some cases, as in economist Branko Milanovic’s 2010 book The Haves and the Have-Nots, the terms have been used in order to draw attention to global inequity.
Additional resources
- The Haves and the Have-Nots – By Branko Milanovic (New York Times Book Review)
Summary
Haves and have-nots are vague terms for income status, often used in conjunction with one another. Opting for more specific language about an individual’s or group’s socioeconomic status, such as including income levels, can bring greater clarity.