1. Reading Guide for Unequal Childhoods Work and Family
Roderick Graham

2. Concerted Cultivation vs. Natural Growth
Child Rearing Approach
Concerted Cultivation
Natural Growth
Key Elements
Parent actively fosters and assesses child’s talents, opinions, and skills
Parent cares for child and allows child to grow
Organization of Daily Life
Multiple child leisure activities orchestrated by adults
“Hanging out”, particularly with kin, by child

3. Concerted Cultivation vs. Natural Growth
Child Rearing Approach
Concerted Cultivation
Natural Growth
Language Use
Child 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 Institutions
Criticisms 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

4. The Consequences of Different Parenting Styles
Child Rearing Approach
Concerted Cultivation
Natural Growth
Consequences
Emerging 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 society’s norms and an ability to bend them to their interests

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.

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.