Reading Guide for Unequal Childhoods Work and Family Roderick
Graham Slide 2 Concerted Cultivation vs. Natural Growth Child
Rearing Approach Concerted CultivationNatural Growth Key
ElementsParent actively fosters and assesses childs talents,
opinions, and skills Parent cares for child and allows child to
grow Organization of Daily LifeMultiple child leisure activities
orchestrated by adults Hanging out, particularly with kin, by child
Slide 3 Concerted Cultivation vs. Natural Growth Child Rearing
Approach Concerted CultivationNatural Growth Language UseChild
contestations of adult statements Extended negotiations between
parents and child Rare questioning or challenging of adults by
child General acceptance by child of orders Interventions in
InstitutionsCriticisms and interventions on behalf of child
Training of child to take on this role Dependence on Institutions
Sense of powerlessness and frustration Conflict between child-
rearing practices at home and at school Slide 4 The Consequences of
Different Parenting Styles Child Rearing Approach Concerted
CultivationNatural Growth ConsequencesEmerging sense of entitlement
on the part of the child Ability to navigate bureaucracies as
adults Emerging sense of constraint on the part of the child
Acceptance of societys norms and an ability to bend them to their
interests Slide 5 Response Paper Background In the lecture, we
discussed the idea of work by understanding the concept of class.
Then, we discussed different types of family settings. In the
lectures, we discussed the idea that being in the nuclear family
and being middle class is the default settings in society. Also,
you have read how class position affects parenting styles, and
therefore can lead to a perpetuation of inequality. Finally, all of
you have personal experiences of family and class settings. Slide 6
Response Paper Question Discuss the types of classes and family
settings you see in your neighborhood. In your opinion, what are
some drawbacks to people and families who do not fit the default
class and family positions? Is there a relationship between class
position and family setting? Why or why not? Finally, discuss some
ways in which you think an understanding of work and family can
benefit you in your future.
