'Unequal Childhoods'

Paper Summary:

This paper takes a look at Annette Lareau's book 'Unequal Childhoods'. According to the paper, it is a lengthy report of Lareau's research on child raising practices in America. The paper reports that in the book, she argues that there are two "logics" of child rearing evident in American society, each one shaped by social class distinctions.

From the Paper:

" These are just two examples of evidence that supports the thesis that inequality permeates the fabric of our society. In the United States, however, most people believe in the American dream--the idea that anyone can be successful and "have it all" if they are willing to work hard and play by the rules. Most Americans see society as a collection of individuals who are free to achieve upward mobility by their own efforts. They do not see society as structuring the lives of individuals who are part of it. They think children have equal life chances, and that if their chances vary, it is because they possess different levels of talent, energy, and aspiration. This perspective does not see that the parents' social position "systematically shapes children's life experiences and outcomes" (p. 235). "

Sample of Sources Used:

• Lareau, A. (2003). Unequal childhoods: Class, race, and family life. Berkley: University of California Press.

More papers on 'Unequal Childhoods':

• Book Review # 69116 : "Unequal Childhoods"
• Book Review # 94168 : "Dubois and Ruiz' "Unequal Sisters"
• Essay # 34878 : "Unequal Pay and Gender Discrimination"

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