In "Unsheltered," Barbara Kingsolver explores themes of social class and inequality, highlighting the tendency for individuals, particularly those in privileged positions, to disparage others. The narrative reveals how some people cling to a sense of superiority, which is often rooted in societal structures and historical contexts. This dynamic fosters a culture where prejudice and disdain for lower social classes are maintained, underlining the challenges of achieving genuine equality.

The quote, "Don't count on it. There's a lot of white folks out there hanging on to their God-given right to look down on some other class of people," encapsulates the issue of entrenched social hierarchies. Kingsolver's work serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of acknowledging these disparities and the need for a collective effort to bridge the divides created by class distinctions and social prejudice.