Quotes
After reading the article Class and Childrearing by
Kohn, I was left with several mixed messages and understandings of the text.
The majority of the article discusses differences between middle-class and
lower income/ working class parents in their parenting methods. The main
purpose of the research was to find a relationship between class and
self-direction within family dynamics. The impact on leisure time and verbal
interactions between parents and children were also looked at. Though I do
agree with some of the research presented, I can’t help but to feel that not
all of the research is valid. This is due to the part in the text that reads, “even
if the case does provide insight into broader behavioral patterns, it does not
confirm that the parental behaviors exhibited by middle-class parents are, in
fact, motivated by a valuation of self-direction in their children. Indeed, the observed behaviors may derive from
entirely different values and attitudes”.
In my opinion, it is difficult to have a clear cut answer when the individuals
that were studied are just a select few among an entire nation. Every person,
family, etc has a different way in which they choose to raise their children. Personalities,
outside forces, and many other characteristics can contribute to the way a
child grows up, and I think it is important that we do not push these features
to the side.
However, on the subject of choice and leisure activities,
interesting points were made. The article states that “the more options they
will be able to see for themselves, the more they get a sense of improved self-esteem,
self-worth, and self-confidence. I think that will carry them through adulthood.”
This was in regards to the importance of both choice and exposure in a child’s
life. The more they are exposed to, the easier it will be for them to evaluate
their choices—whether good or bad. The use of activities in fostering growth in
an individual is also an important concept to consider. Sports and different
leisurely activities are important in helping youth grow cognitively,
emotionally, and socially. They are able to develop lifelong skills and lessons
that will help them throughout their life.
Lastly, I enjoyed when the article stated that the “children
were being taught to justify their choices by providing
convincing reasons while at the same time being exposed to
another’s perspective via the reasons offered for
the alternative”. I think that this is a great way for children to learn what
they do or do not like and why. Additionally, children are able to learn how to
express themselves and give reasons for why they feel the way they do about
specific topics. This makes me think about Youth in Action and how the youth
are expected to justify their opinions. This approach is fundamental in the
learning process and paves the way towards understanding and identification.
Weinneger and Lareau have a lot to say about Kohn's findings -- I appreciate your concern about generalizability (absolutely, you can't generalize to a large population with such a small sample). The article does try to generalize to theory and thinking which you also write about. I really liked this quote that you pulled out: "children were being taught to justify their choices by providing convincing reasons while at the same time being exposed to another’s perspective via the reasons offered for the alternative." In what ways do you see yourself helping children take perspectives next semester in your internship?
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