Parenting in Privilege or Peril: How Social Inequality Enables or Derails the American Dream

The American dream is not equally available to the working class due to social contexts and culture. Middle-class parents have access to social contexts characterized by security, which gives rise to strategic parenting, while working-class parents have precarity, giving rise to defensive parenting. This book calls for a shift in public policy away from trying to change working-class parents and towards improving the social contexts in which society asks them to raise the next generation.

Format: Hardback
Length: 256 pages
Publication date: 30 May 2022
Publisher: Teachers' College Press

The American Dream is a widely held belief that anyone who works hard and perseveres can achieve success and prosperity. However, the reality of the American Dream is far from universal, with many people facing barriers to achieving their goals. One of the biggest barriers to success is social class, with those from lower social classes facing a range of challenges that those from higher social classes do not.

One of the key factors that contribute to social class differences in parenting is access to resources. Middle-class parents often have more resources available to them, including access to better schools, healthcare, and social services. This means that they are better able to provide their children with the resources they need to succeed, such as tutoring, extracurricular activities, and healthy meals.

In contrast, working-class parents may struggle to provide their children with these resources, leading to differences in parenting practices. Working-class parents may be more likely to rely on their own resources and networks to provide their children with support, rather than relying on government programs or social services. This can lead to differences in parenting styles, such as more strict or authoritarian parenting, as parents try to protect their children from the risks and challenges of their environment.

Another factor that contributes to social class differences in parenting is cultural values and beliefs. Middle-class parents may hold more traditional values and beliefs about parenting, such as the importance of education and discipline. They may also be more likely to adhere to social norms and expectations about parenting, such as being a good provider and a good parent.

In contrast, working-class parents may hold more diverse cultural values and beliefs, and may be more likely to prioritize their children's emotional well-being and social connections. They may also be more likely to prioritize their own needs and well-being, rather than sacrificing their own needs for the sake of their children.

Despite these differences, there are also some common challenges that all parents face, regardless of their social class. These challenges include managing stress, dealing with difficult behavior, and providing a safe and supportive environment for their children. However, the challenges that working-class parents face may be more significant due to their limited resources and the pressures of their environment.

One of the most significant challenges that working-class parents face is poverty. Poverty can lead to a range of negative outcomes for children, including poor health, poor academic performance, and increased risk of violence and crime. Working-class parents may struggle to provide their children with the basic necessities of life, such as food, clothing, and shelter, leading to differences in parenting practices.

In addition to poverty, working-class parents may also face discrimination and social exclusion. This can lead to feelings of isolation and disempower

Another factor that contributes to social class differences in parenting is education. Education is a key factor in social mobility, with higher levels of education leading to better job opportunities and higher incomes. However, education is also a key factor in parenting practices, with parents with higher levels of education being more likely to use positive parenting practices, such as setting limits and expectations, and providing positive reinforcement.

In contrast, parents with lower levels of education may be more likely to use negative parenting practices, such as spanking or yelling, as a way to discipline their children. This can lead to negative outcomes for children, such as increased risk of violence and aggression, and poor social and emotional development.

In addition to education, other factors that contribute to social class differences in parenting include race and ethnicity. Parents from different racial and ethnic backgrounds may have different cultural values and beliefs about parenting, and may also face different barriers to achieving social mobility. For example, parents from minority groups may face discrimination and social exclusion, which can lead to feelings of isolation and disempowerment.

Finally, social support is another important factor that contributes to social class differences in parenting. Parents with higher levels of social support, such as family and friends, may be more likely to use positive parenting practices and provide a supportive environment for their children. In contrast, parents with lower levels of social support may be more likely to rely on their own resources and networks to provide support for their children, leading to differences in parenting practices.

In conclusion, the American Dream is a widely held belief that anyone who works hard and perseveres can achieve success and prosperity. However, the reality of the American Dream is far from universal, with many people facing barriers to achieving their goals, including social class. Social class differences in parenting are influenced by a range of factors, including access to resources, cultural values and beliefs, education, race and ethnicity, and social support. These differences can lead to differences in parenting practices, such as more strict or authoritarian parenting, as parents try to protect their children from the risks and challenges of their environment. However, there are also some common challenges that all parents face, regardless of their social class, such as managing stress, dealing with difficult behavior, and providing a safe and supportive environment for their children. Addressing these challenges requires a shift in public policy away from trying to change working-class parents and towards improving the social contexts in which society asks them to raise the next generation. This can include policies that promote social mobility, such as education and job training programs, as well as policies that promote social support, such as child care and family leave policies. By addressing these challenges, we can work towards achieving a more equitable and just society where everyone has the opportunity to achieve their dreams and aspirations.

Weight: 486g
Dimension: 229 x 152 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780807766026