Social Class

Race, social class and income are all interconnected, and socioeconomic status is perpetuated. Working class people are often unable to afford post-secondary education for their children and so their children and grandchildren are likely to live in the same conditions, in the same socioeconomic location. It's an endless cycle for the haves and have-nots. Society typically expects the children coming from upper class families to have an edge on those coming from the middle or lower classes. We expect these children to be somewhat above average, and they will hold this status throughout their educational career. Children whose roots fall in the middle class are expected to only be average, below those from the upper class and slightly above those from the lower class. Lower class children are those that we expect not to succeed in their educational career. These students are below average and need extra help in order to stay in tune.
With no proper connection or guidance many youth, adolescence will find themselves in a period of increased risk. Sometimes youth problem behaviors, such as delinquency and substance use, are attributed to the absence of meaningful, valued adult social roles, despite adolescents' growing capacity to fill them. Some behaviors that are considered problematic or even legally prohibited when engaged in by minors (smoking, alcohol use, and sexual activity) are legitimate in adulthood. These behaviors are seen as attempts to affirm maturity or to negotiate adult status. In addition, adolescents worldwide are using tobacco and alcohol in record numbers. The potential consequences of substance use and abuse (addiction, automobile accidents, crime, and health problems) make this quite prevalent behavior problematic.
Clearly, cultural, social, and economic variations across nation-states affect the definition and the experiences of adolescents. Bringing forth opportunities for intervention during the period of adolescence will encourage and... [continues]

Read full essay