Introduction
Examining differences in the approaches that representatives of different classes adopt in childrearing helps recognize both positive and negative factors shaping future generations and the relationships between them. In her article, Lareau (2002) singles out several aspects of class-related childrearing that have tangible implications for the development of relationships between the members of the specified classes. Namely, Lareau (2002) singles out the characteristics and aspects of social-class-based childrearing approaches, such as the perception of education, the extent of control, and the level of initiative given to children.
Childrearing Approaches
Specifically, Lareau (2002) mentions the promotion of specific attitudes toward professional development and career in the specified groups as a critical aspect of childrearing. Namely, middle-class members teach their children the importance of active career development and professional growth quite early on, thus, inciting their children’s academic progress and future career development. In turn, working-class families tend to be much more authoritative in their upbringing of children compared to the middle class, as the study by Lareau (2002) showed. Consequently, the value systems that parents of different classes teach their children represent another critical aspect of childrearing discussed in the article. Specifically, children in working-class families tend to view being hardworking and industrious as critical qualities, whereas children from middle-class households are introduced to slightly different values (Lareau, 2002).
Conclusion
Overall, the article discusses the aspects of child upbringing leading to further class division. Thus, Lareau (2002) provides the basis for a fascinating study on the nature of social prejudices and the means of overcoming them. Giving curious insights into how specific values are introduced to children and what factors define them, Lareau (2002) prepares the foundation for the next research on bridging the gap between social classes.
Reference
Lareau, A. (2002). Invisible inequality: Social class and childrearing in black families and white families. American Sociological Review, 747-776.