I would recommend reading these books by one Ruby Payne which explore such differences in detail:

A framework for understanding poverty: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1929229488/

Crossing the Tracks for Love: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/192922933X/

Hidden Rules of Class at Work: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1929229070/

In particular, she goes in to these very concerns about how on has to change their identity and mindset from their old world to be in the new world.