Classism Discussion

1. The 3 racial differences in wealth accumulation in the U.S. are racialization of state policy, economic detour, and racial inequality.

2. The authors interviewed white and black families to find out if there was indeed a difference in wealth disparities.

3. The authors found that the main theme was that "family assets expanded choices, horizons, and opportunities for children while lack of assets limit opportunities". This mean that if a family had a lot they also had a lot more to offer to their children, and for those who do not have a lot the children had to work a lot harder to get what they want and need in life.

4. The authors suggest that in order to close the racial gap in terms of wealth we must develop policies that directly address the situations of African Americans. Also, the polices must directly promote asset opportunities for those at the bottom of the class system  regardless of ethnicity.

5. My story upon coming to college is different from many in my community. My community is to be consider as one of upper class and don't get me wrong I have a nice house and luxuries, but college was something I constantly needed to work for. For instance, I attended the University of Iowa last year, but due to the price of out of state tuition, I had to come home and go to a college in state. I also had to take out several loans as did my parents. I'm the first in my ENTIRE family to go to college and even though it's a great accomplishment, it is also stressful. I feel as if the pressure is on to succeed, not to mention if I don't succeed a lot of money would have been wasted. I want to go to college and succeed so I can send my own children to college without the stress my parents have to endure by sending me to college. I believe my story is similar to Kathleen Kelly's and Gwendolyn Lewis'  stories.  I didn't have a role model to look towards in terms of education like Gwendolyn, and I also had to work very hard to make college an option like Kathleen.