The author goes about this by building upon the existing literature on working-class social reproduction. He identifies three themes that encourage social class transfer among the generations; these include resistance and contestation; the peer group; and the structural location of the family (Kaufman, 2005, p. 251). Kaufman then applies these to the middle class in order to arrive at his findings.
Interestingly, the author finds that, while middle-class young people do engage in resistance and rejection, this occurs in a manner that promotes reproduction (Kaufman, p. 252). While the young often reject their parents' desires for their professional careers, they nonetheless proceed to choose careers that would ensure their remaining social position by also rejecting non-professional careers. For the author, this indicates a need to actively pursue a career within their social class, which indicates a more conscious choice than many researchers appear to account for.
Kaufman also finds that peer group loyalty is as applicable to the middle class as the working class (p. 258). Middle-class young people are as dependent upon peer group interactions as their working class counterparts. Hence, the greatest likelihood is that careers would be chosen that would perpetuate peer group ties.
As for the structural location of the family, Kaufman emphasizes that, while social capital improves the likelihood of social reproduction, the phenomenon is also the result of conscious choice and action. It is not sufficient in itself to ensure that a young person will remain secure in his or her social position. Instead, the requirement is to choose to remain in this position by means of choosing and working towards it.
3) LIMITATIONS and IMPLICATIONS of the STUDY
Marshall and Rossman (p. 42) note that all proposed research will necessarily have its limitations. Limitations are generally connected to the conceptual framework and design of the study. It is important to make readers aware of these limitations in order to establish the boundaries of the study,...
On the other hand, it is also important to examine all the possible designs and limitations connected to the study to ensure that the greatest benefit is derived from the chosen design. Limitations should not limit the ultimate benefits of the findings.
In the case of this study, the life history research method is to be used. Limitations connected to this method is the fact that generalization is difficult, as only a few cases can viably be included. The guidance is also a limitation, as few accepted analysis concepts are available to guide this research method. Finally, there will be an abundance of data, which could become a constraining factor in terms of time.
The possible impacts of the study will be important in terms of policy and social issues. By studying social mobility and its limitations, policy issues such as social services, welfare, and education are possible fields of influence. It is for example important to make students aware of their potential for social mobility, and possibly to encourage active choices in this direction. This is particularly important for improving the life quality of the lower- and working-class income groups.
In terms of social impact, work place policies will be influenced by the social mobility realities revealed. Work place policies may for example have to be modified in order to provide greater access to the possibility for career mobility. Hence, even if a middle-class career is chosen, the workplace policies within such a career may offer mobility possibilities.
References
Dominguez, S. And Watkins, C. (2003). Creating Networks for Survival and Mobility: Social Capital Among African-American and Latin-American Low-Income Mothers. Social Problems, Vol. 50, No. 1.
Kaufman, P. (2005, Jun). Middle-Class Social Reproduction: The Activation and Negotiation of Structural Advantages. Sociological Forum, Vol. 20, No.2.
Marshall, C. And Rossman, G.B. Designing Qualitative Research, 4th Edition.
