Product Description Class does make a difference in the lives and futures of American children. Drawing on in-depth observations of black and white middle-class, working-class, and poor families, Unequal Childhoods explores this fact, offering a picture of childhood today. Here are the frenetic families managing their children's hectic schedules of "leisure" activities; and here are families with plenty of time but little economic security. Lareau shows how middle-class parents, whether black or white, engage in a process of "concerted cultivation" designed to draw out children's talents and skills, while working-class and poor families rely on "the accomplishment of natural growth," in which a child's development unfolds spontaneously--as long as basic comfort, food, and shelter are provided. Each of these approaches to childrearing brings its own benefits and its own drawbacks. In identifying and analyzing differences between the two, Lareau demonstrates the power, and limits, of social class in shaping the lives of America's children.
Thoughtful look at parenting October 31, 2008 This book offers a thoughtful, in-depth exploration of how parenting strategies differ between middle class and working class families, and how these differences embody both strengths and weaknesses. Lareau argues that whereas the "concerted cultivation" approach in middle class parenting means that busy & overscheduled middle class kids are perhaps better prepared to speak up for themselves and their needs, they are also more likely to approach life from a standpoint of entitlement and are fairly unskilled at managing time on their own. In contrast, whereas the "natural growth" approach that working class parents take can lend itself to a passivity in the face of societal institutions, there's also a greater respect for the collective and for connections with others. The book offers great insights that will challenge those who unselfconsciously promote middle class values as models of success. It's also a great model of how to conduct and then write about qualitative sociological research. My qualitative research methods class will be reading this book!
Very interesting and readable June 11, 2008 Very interesting and readable book about childrearing differences in different social classes. As a parent, it reminded me that there are different ways to approach parenting, and that a particular way isn't necessarily "better" than the others. Observations and conclusions drawn seemed accurate for my situation. I appreciated her non-judgemental attitude. Only downside is that the actual fieldwork was conducted over 10 years ago - however, from my perspective it is still very relevant. I would recommend it.
Unequal Childhood Review December 7, 2007 1 out of 1 found this review helpful
Lareau provides a very descriptive account of the social resources available to middle class, working class and poor families and children. A useful tool for teachers and administrators who wonder why some parents are not able to make it to PTA, parent/teacher conferences, sporting events, ect.
great service August 4, 2007 0 out of 4 found this review helpful
I am a university student who purchased this textbook for a class. It came exactly as the seller said. I will use this service in the futute.
Unequal Childhoods Well Written and Well Researched July 10, 2006 5 out of 5 found this review helpful
Everyone knows that socioeconomic status is related to academic success, but not many books have examined the lives of kids outside of school in detail to reveal how differences in social class are related to differences in use of language, organizing time, dealing with authorities, family disputes, and doing homework.
I'm a professor in a graduate school of education, and it was important to me that Lareau was a careful researcher as well as a clear and lively writer. She studied 12 families, each with a fourth-grade child. Half were white, half were black. Half were from low social positions, and half from relatively high social positions. Lareau found that the upper-middle class families deliberately stimlated their child's development and conveyed a sense of entitlement, whereas lower class families believed that kids matured "naturally" -- regardless of race. I found it so persuasive and well-written that I'm assigning it to my students.
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