Unequal Childhoods

Unequal Childhoods: Class, Race and Family Life by Annette Lareau

Amazon.com Description:
“Class does make a difference in the lives and futures of American children. Drawing on in-depth observations of black and white middle-class, working-class, and poor families, Unequal Childhoods explores this fact, offering a picture of childhood today. Here are the frenetic families managing their children's hectic schedules of "leisure" activities; and here are families with plenty of time but little economic security. Lareau shows how middle-class parents, whether black or white, engage in a process of "concerted cultivation" designed to draw out children's talents and skills, while working-class and poor families rely on "the accomplishment of natural growth," in which a child's development unfolds spontaneously—as long as basic comfort, food, and shelter are provided. Each of these approaches to childrearing brings its own benefits and its own drawbacks. In identifying and analyzing differences between the two, Lareau demonstrates the power, and limits, of social class in shaping the lives of America's children.”

My thoughts:
I found this to be very insightful and thought provoking. I often think about how circumstances mold a child and I believe that children are born with only a slim chance to go beyond the economic situation of their family. While a majority of Americans seem to negate the effect of class on success, the reality is that social status is one of the most important factors in determining future success. The mobility between classes is limited; and only becoming more so. Sure, everyone can name at least one person that has broken from this mold, but statistics show that these people are among the minority. Equal opportunity is not really equal. Many people blame the poor for their situation in life, if only they would work harder, seems to be a motto I often hear. However, studying the cycle of socioeconomic factors and class structure shows a different reality.  Lareau is an awarded sociologist and I appreciated her research and views. I wish more people would take the time to study and understand the impact of class on the future.