Unequal Childhoods: Class, Race, and Family Life

by Annette Lareau

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In her book Unequal Childhood: Class, Race, and Family Life, Annette Lareau explain the various causes of social inequality and injustice in America. Annette is a sociologist who strives to reveal how class differences, racism and gender inequalities has affected many children. After observing two elementary schools and interviewing parents from 12 different families. Annette comes up with data that explains how racism and social inequalities a person's day to day life. Lareau continued with her research after a decade, and she learned that of the 12 families that she interviewed, those children from poor families either dropped out of high school, or did not pursue higher education. This paper will analyze how race, sexism, and class affect children as they grow up.

Race

America is known as the Land of Opportunities, but it not the case for many people. Many of these opportunities are given to White Americans leaving out the African Americans to suffer. Annette observes how race has been a great factor in determining the quality of life in America (Lareau, 2011). Racial inequalities have continued to influence advancing in education and job opportunities. There is a big gap between White Americans and African American families. The Whites secure jobs in high paying jobs as compared to Blacks. Also, Laureu observes that the rate of unemployment amongst the Blacks is twice higher as opposed to the Whites. African Americans have been underemployed and they receive low wages which cannot cater for their everyday expenses. As a result, children from Black families continue to suffer in poverty while children from White families lead luxurious lifestyles. Also, Black families are discouraged because no matter their academic achievements, the White Americans will always be considered first in the job markets.

 

Solution to Racial Discrimination

It is possible to carb racial discrimination in America, if certain measures are implemented. First, the Government should come up with awareness programs which educate people on human rights, and make the people understand that all races are equal. Second, Equal both the Whites and Blacks should be given equal education, and employment opportunities in order to eradicate poverty. Finally, African American parents should encourage their children to make friends with White children in order to minimize the gap between Black and White people.

Social Class

Annette observes social class and inequality as being interrelated.  There are notable difference between children who come from different social classes. Laureu observes children communicating with their parents and comes up with various conclusions. First, middle class parents are concerted cultivators, parents who dominate their children's lives with organized and controlled activities meant to mod them into interactive individuals in different institutions. For instance, in Laureu's work, Alexander William's mother is so committed to taking her son to piano classes. Middle class children show more confidence when interacting with adults (Lareau, 2011). Furthermore, Annette identifies that working class and poor families' parents believe in natural growth. That is, the parenting style is not optional for the parents, but rather something that is determined by the environment. Working class parents focus on providing the children with basic needs and they forget about checking their academic performances and activities participation. Poor parents lack finances to involve their children in organized activities, like those from middle families, thus making children from poor families to develop low confidence. In attempts to understand Annette's theories, I can affirm that my parent's way of raising me have greatly contributed to my educational life. My mother was always involved in my academic performance. She would always assist with my homework, and talked to teachers regarding my academic development. Her support made me a responsible and competent student.

Solutions to Social Class Inequalities

Social class inequality may not pose as a major problem, but it has a tremendous effect on children. Working class and poor parents have put too much effort into providing the basic needs to their children, that they forget about their role in the educational life of the kids. Parents should pay more attention to the education performance of their children and offer assistance with their assignments. This boosts the child's performance and increases their self-confidence even at adulthood.

Gender

Laureu observes gender inequality during her research. Annette observes that many institutions unknowingly promote gender inequality. The concept of gender is culturally constructed, unlike sex which is biological and cannot be changed. Girls or boys behaviors are influenced by the communities' concept of what is masculine and what is feminine. The family as a social institution plays a vital role in gender inequality (Lareau, 2011). Male children are given bold toys like guns and cars, which teaches them to strong and have big visions, while female children are given dolls which prepares them to be loving and responsible mothers. Also, schools consider boys to be more intelligent and boys are encouraged to pursue the technical subjects. Girls, on the other hand, pursue easier subjects like literature and arts. Third, many companies employ male workers to handle the complex tax, while female employees are given the low ranks in the company.

Solution to Gender Inequalities

The society should come up with measures to carb gender inequality in the society. First, parents should give kids equal treatment regardless of their gender. Treating children equally changes their perspective of and they learn that a female has the same capability as a male. Second, learning institution should strive to come up with a curriculum that encourages gender equality. Also, schools should encourage girls to take technical courses instead of associating them with easier courses. Finally, the job market should allocate positions to employees without discrimination based on their gender.

Conclusion

The parenting style that a parent applies to raise their kids plays a vital role in shaping their future. Parents should focus on giving their children the best lives, but should not forget their responsibilities in their children's lives. A parent's interest in a child's academic life improves the child's academic performance. Finally, society should strive to eradicate inequalities in order to minimize the gap between the haves and the have nots.

 

 

 

 

References

Lareau, A. (2011). Unequal Childhoods: Class, race, and family life. Univ of California Press.