Unequal Childhoods: Class, Race, and Family Life

Lareau’s study examines the differences in daily family life between middle- and working-class families. How do these differences affect the future trajectory of children in each class?

Like any sociological study, there are always more questions than answers left at its conclusion. Design a study to either follow-up Lareau’s study or design a study that would add to the information she gathered and the conclusions she found.

Lareau chooses not to omit any information or observations that may amplify stereotypes or imply negative aspects of either race or working-class/poor/middle-class life. Do you agree or disagree with this decision, and why?

Based on the information gleaned in the study, design an intervention for either middle-class or working-class/poor families based on the struggles they face in their given class. What problems would the intervention focus on, how would it be carried out, and how would its effectiveness be measured?

Since the time of Lareau’s study at the turn of the millennium, has family life and child-rearing changed for either middle-class or working-class/poor families, or both? Have the changes impacted each class differently, or in similar ways?

Can you identify any biases or shortcomings in Lareau’s study or in her findings? What might be the source of and solution for these biases/shortcomings?

There are many complex underlying factors involved in concerted cultivation and the accomplishment of natural growth as child-rearing approaches based in class. Why are the issues faced by middle-class and working-class/poor families in Lareau’s study so pertinent in the United States as opposed to other countries worldwide?

Lareau believes the researcher should have total control over what data is used and how it is used in publication. Do you agree with Lareau, or do you take another position on the matter?