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Unequal Childhoods The Social And Research Paper

it's aspect of social capital: survival. Chapter 8: Children of middle class parents (like the Marshall family) can freely express themselves without worry of being punished; children of low income families usually are told what to do and only say what won't get them into trouble. Skills are passed along to children through parents' "overseeing, criticizing, and intervening in [children's] institutional lives.

Chapter 9: Not much social capital is achieved in the Handlons' home as mother and daughter battle over Melanie's homework; Ms. And Mr. Handlon both complain about homework and how long it takes (and the fights it creates); but it seems the family is making it more difficult than it should be; Melanie may have a learning disability but the family is in denial.

Chapter 10: Wendy's mother in a working class family doesn't work with Wendy to develop language; and there is no attempt to have Wendy tested for learning problems. Her mother does whatever the teacher suggests; her mother's language skills are sketchy and hence she is not helpful to her daughter. Whatever social capital Wendy will get from school will be because she did it herself.

Chapter 11: Parenting...

"He needs to be beat," his father said. This is the kind of kid who might wind up in a prison. His social capital is going to be negligible because his parents are clueless about culture and social standards.
Chapter 12: This chapter reviews social class and points out that social inequality will always be in evidence but understanding the different social categories (poor, working class, middle class) helps social scientists define and examine American family life. In some of the families in the book, daily life didn't mirror social class; and in others, activities and games children played reflected their social class. And there are advantages to being in a working class family just as there are to be in a middle or upper class family. How the parents guide and lead their children -- to various forms social capital that helps them in the future -- is the most telling story.

Works Cited

Lareau, Annette. (2003). Unequal Childhoods: Class, Race, and Family Life. Berkeley, CA:

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Works Cited

Lareau, Annette. (2003). Unequal Childhoods: Class, Race, and Family Life. Berkeley, CA:
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