Introduction
In the text "Unequal childhoods: Class, race, and family," a distinct viewpoint on equality and the societal construction of class is presented. Typically, discussions of inequality in American society have primarily focused on race, which stems from the long-standing struggle for freedom and equality across racial divisions (Rosenblum & Travis, 2016). Nevertheless, the topic of class and economic disparities has been widely misconstrued for many years.
Laree presents a strong argument to support her research, suggesting that children from middle-class families are more clingy compared to those from poor or working-class families. The book extensively examines the disparities in social structures and daily routines between these two groups. Specifically, it highlights the excessively busy and less interactive lifestyle prevalent in middle-class families.
On the contrar
...y, families in the working class and the poor families had a slower pace of life.
Reflection
Growing up in my own family where our economic status could be considered as a working class family. In many respects, the research presented in the book makes tremendous examples that may be inferred in my life. Agreeably, there are obvious indications of interlinks in characteristics between the books research and real life examples. Ideally, from my experience it is in the affirmative that families made up of parent who are in the working class tend to have a better nurturing accept as opposed to parents in the middle class. In my own case, i was nurtured to become a responsible individual who does not necessarily depend on my parents.
Growing up, my parents were always busy but made sure to prioritize spending time with us and nurturing us. We would regularly interact and have discussions
about life and its potential impact on my future. Additionally, my parents emphasized that they would allocate most of their finances towards what they considered important. As a result, receiving toys or gifts was uncommon for us, and we would instead find ways to play with improvised items.
Relationships
Conversely, our affluent neighbors had an abundance of toys and playing tools that exceeded their actual needs.
Growing up, our well-off neighbors were always out and about with their parents at malls and social events. In contrast, we only ever interacted with our own parents at church or important school meetings. As a result, we grew up feeling disconnected from others and learned to be self-reliant without much direct parental influence. Even today, relying on parents is unfamiliar to me. Generally, my parents offer advice rather than dictating my choices. Personally, I believe that these experiences have shaped me into a more responsible individual. Furthermore, if I had grown up in a middle-class household, it's possible that I wouldn't have developed the same level of independence and open-mindedness that I currently possess.
Response
The research conducted by Lareau and her team has similarities with real-life experiences in America (Eitzen & Johnston, 2015). The study highlights the correlation between children and their family background, affirming the findings. For instance, when the research concludes that middle class children have more economic opportunities and thus a greater likelihood of success in life, this claim can be justified on two grounds. First, these children from middle class families have an advantage in terms of accessing higher education because of their
parents' financial capability.
Furthermore, middle-class children have the chance to take advantage of exposure opportunities that allow them to explore their talents and abilities. However, it is argued that in many cases, these children do not meet their parents' expectations. It is undeniable that despite having financial resources and privileges, middle-class families lack the motivation and determination to achieve their goals and become independent individuals in society. On the other hand, due to limited opportunities faced by the working class and the poor, children from these backgrounds often exhibit more focus and drive to succeed in society (Lareau, 2011). The passage emphasizes several accurate observations regarding this issue.
The Importance of Social Workers
Social workers play a crucial role in addressing inequalities and bridging gaps within the community.
Lareau's presentation highlights the importance of addressing social injustices that were previously overlooked. Social workers play a crucial role in raising awareness and advocating for change by developing awareness programs and serving as agents of social change within the community. To bring about social change, it is essential to understand the significance of an issue in terms of social justice and actively work towards making a difference (Adams et al, 2013).
References
- Adams, M., Blumenfeld, W. J., Castaneda, C. R., Hackman, H. W., Peters, M. L., ; Zuniga, X. (2013). Readings for diversity and social justice (3rd Ed.).
New York, NY: Routledge. Eitzen, D. S., & Johnston, J. E. (2016).
When exploring the issue of inequality and its impact on social class, there are a few valuable sources to take into account. One particularly recommended book is "Unequal childhoods: Class, race, and family life" by A. Lareau (2011), published by The University of
California Press in Berkeley, CA. Furthermore, an additional source of relevant information can be found in a study conducted by K. E. Rosenblum and T. Travis.
C.'s book titled "The meaning of difference: American constructions of race, ethnicity, sex and gender, social class, sexuality, and disability" was published in 2016 by McGraw-Hill in New York City for its 7th edition.
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