Invisible Inequality: Social Class and Childrearing in Black Families and White Families (Mar. 25)

According to Laurea the invisible inequities between black and white families were what type of language was used between the child and adult, what their days were like and their relationships with one another in the family. Poor and middle class households put more emphasis on physical discipline where as in middle-class they were more likely to talk about the issue and work it out that way. The middle class families took the child’s thoughts and opinions into consideration where the poor and middle class families thought what the adult said is the way and that is it. In the middle-class family the children are more involved in organized activities where the children in poor and middle class households are freer to decide their activities. Working–class and poor parents emphasize the “accomplishment of natural growth.” That is why working-class and poor parent’s children would be more likely playing outside with all different types of children of different ages. They feel that the child does not need extra organized activities to make the child grow and thrive as long as the child is provided love, food and safety. With more free time it gave working-class and poor parent families closer ties with their extended family. Most of them would see their family quite often, whereas middle class families would talk with their extended family maybe once a week, but the visits would not be as often.

As an educator my response to these inequities is to understand how different each child’s life is so I can be sensitive to their feelings and to find a solution that will help them learn the best. If I become aware of different situations the children may have gone through I will not negatively judge them because I will understand where they are coming from. Instead I will be able to help them and embrace who they are. The way different students will come off to me will be different due to the way they were raised and that is something I also need to take into account. Knowing more about your students can only help you understand them instead of getting mad because you are angry at their behavior or way of doing things. Knowing more never hurt anything, but it will open your eyes to see things from all angles.