Families as They Really Are by Risman and Rutter - Book Report/Review Example

Development is influenced by social position(276) Child development is determined by social class position. The environment a child interacts with shapes his/her development.Processes linked to the class position are determined early in life (279) During early life, children are cultured in social stratification from a very tender age. Children’s ambitions, goals, and social ladder are influenced by parents’ social class(282)The parents’ social position influences the child’s goals, aspirations, and social class.

Children from rich families associate with children of the same caliber. Social class is defined by wealth(determined by education and earnings)(287)Wealth, defined by educational level and earnings, determines one’s, social class.Good character and hard work are pillars to rise up the social ladder(291)In order for one to rise up the social ladder, hard work and good character are key pillars. PART 2Summary of the Chapter Furstenberg observes that although the social class has been faded by academic controversies, it is socially constructed.

Social class is determined by exposure to learning opportunities, selective social contact, and kinship networks. Additionally, social class influences the transition to adulthood; therefore, it determines the future of American society. He notes that development theory explains the interaction of biology and environment in shaping the direction of a child’s development. The chapter explains that social life is influenced by multiple interacting forces such as early exposure, parents’ education, resource, and residence.

Furstenberg summarizes by positing that social strata influence problem prevention, social capital and sponsorship, investment, and family life (Risman & Rutter, 2015).