Seonglae ChoWhite Anglo-Saxon Protestant, Puritans
WASP refers to White Anglo-Saxon Protestant society members who form the upper and mainstream class in America. This social group encompasses several key characteristics:
- Includes individuals of English and German descent
- Typically affiliated with Episcopalian or Presbyterian denominations
- Generally excludes Catholics from this classification
The term describes an ethnic and social group consisting primarily of Northern European whites, concentrated in the northeastern United States and comprising the suburban middle and upper classes.
The acronym itself is a deliberate play on words, referencing the wasp insect known for gathering in groups and attacking collectively with its stinger—a metaphor for the group's social cohesion and collective influence.