Friday, December 30, 2016
Two parenting "philosophies"
In chapter 4, The book Outliers, by Malcolm Gladwell, gives a reference to the different types of parenting along class lines. Annette Lareau, the sociologist who conducted this study group, states that parents of the lower classes tend to think that it's "their responsibility to care for their children but to let them grow and develop on their own" (Gladwell 104). I agree with the fact that parents of the lower-class tend to let their child be responsible for their future, but of course they would always be by there side for love, care and support. However, further on she mentions that the middle class children learn a sense of "entitlement", learn to interact with adults, learn about teamwork, and learn to speak up when they need to and that things like these "simply doesn't happen with lower class children" (Gladwell 107). I beg to disagree because even though many lower-class families might not be open to the type of "parenting" or experiences the middle class does, lower-class families do learn a sense of entitlement, which is the fact of having a right to something, and they do learn how to speak up especially when being deprived from their rights to something. The lower-class children might not be exposed to "concerted cultivation" but they do learn to grow up to be strong and independent and to work hard for what they want since they are not given the many advantages that the middle class get. Therefore, her conclusion that middle class children will succeed in the modern world might be true to the Oppenheimer and Langan's situation, however I believe it isn't entirely true and isn't backed up from what Malcolm states earlier of the 10,000- hour rule, which claims that if one works hard, then they would inevitably become successful in the long run. I chose this section of the novel because I believe that people arent more likely to being successful because of their family wealth or power, but because many are suitable to succeeding because of their hard work and talents.
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I strongly agree with Edita. I agree that parents of the lower and middle class do try their best to be involved with their child's future. I believe this from experience, because my parents try their best to be involved with my future, such as career paths I want to embark on, or what college I would like to attend. I also agree that people are likely to be successful due to their hard work and talents, not from where they come from.
ReplyDeleteI very strongly agree with Edita, success is not based on money, power, or social class. As Gladwell stated before, success comes from hard work and from putting in effort to what you want in life. Success cannot be measured in intellect, money, status/position or power it depends on the person and how much they are willing to work to get what they are after. And so, everyone has the potential to succeed and become a better version of themselves.
ReplyDeleteI strongly agree as well with both Edita and Destiny, on the topic of parenting and how lower-class/middle-class parents try their very best to get involved with their child's future in any way possible. I also agree due to having experience, I come from a family of two brothers and have been born and raised by my mother, a single parent. But even though I only had a female role model in my life, my mother has taught me everything she could and has been supporting every decision I take even if she doesn't agree with them, but what she tries to do is get me to be successful in life no matter what it is I'm doing as long as I am happy doing it. My mother, has been able to do this for me and my brother, despite being a single parent that is considered lower-class.
ReplyDeleteContrary to Edita, Destiny and Devin, my parents do not play an active role in my education. Although my dad tries to attend every parent teacher conference, he does not help me with my homework, ask about my classes, or communicate with my teachers. They allow me to be independent, expecting me to do what's right, and I like to think that I meet the criteria.
ReplyDeleteOne thing I found interesting in the very same chapter is when Gladwell describes children who are not taught to be assertive. This seems to pertain to me because I usually get nervous and submissive around authority figures. That's why I dislike encounters with policemen, or going to the doctors.
I agree with Edita when she says that many lower class parents are as involved in the lives of their children as upper class parents. Like Destiny's parents, my parents play an active role in my life and education. They encourage me to speak up and think about my future. Their goal for me is to take advantage of every opportunity that comes my way because they want me to have everything they did not have. Despite the fact that my parents only speak Spanish, this does not stop them from communicating with their bosses and making demands. Like the mother in Chapter 4 who encourages her son to ask questions to his doctor, my mother did the same with me at an even younger age. Although my mother would often read with me and attempt to do homework with me, she always encouraged me to be independent.
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