In some way this is the theme of https://www.amazon.ca/White-Trash-40.../dp/0670785970
Since before the founding of America as a nation, one of the most lively debates has been over: "Who will occupy the bottom wrung"
As such the question is not always about "rights" exactly, but who possesses effective rights. Even if you occupy the same wrung economically, there is a grim satisfaction to be had from knowing you can actually claim the rights you are granted, where this might not be true of everyone.
Loss of status can thus amount to no more than everyone actually being able to exercise their rights.
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