CLASS AND SOCIOECONOMIC STATUS
KEY TERMS
Class: a group sharing a particular economic and social status Socioeconomic status: a combination of the economic status of families or individuals on the basis of occupation, educational attainment, income, and wealth Occupation: a job or profession Income: money earned in wages or salaries Classism: the view that one’s class level makes one superior to members of classes perceived as below one’s own |
CLASSROOM ACTIVITY
Groups of students are given different amounts of money on which to live (roughly approximating different US income groups). Each group is instructed to allocate funds to the categories of housing, clothing, education, transportation, recreation, etc. — other categories generated by the students. The groups write the results on a board for all to see. Upper income groups are asked to critique the lower income groups and vice versa. Typically "the upper groups are making attributions about the lower income groups and assuming values that are unwarranted... The exercise illustrates victim blaming, social perceptions, and prejudice."
Source: http://www.apa.org/pi/ses/resources/publications/social-class-exercises.aspx
STRATEGIES FOR PARENTS AND TEACHERS:
1. Keep snacks in the classroom for students who may be hungry
2. Watch inspiring movies about people who overcame poverty to become successful
3. Help parents and guardians to access any assistance they may need
Groups of students are given different amounts of money on which to live (roughly approximating different US income groups). Each group is instructed to allocate funds to the categories of housing, clothing, education, transportation, recreation, etc. — other categories generated by the students. The groups write the results on a board for all to see. Upper income groups are asked to critique the lower income groups and vice versa. Typically "the upper groups are making attributions about the lower income groups and assuming values that are unwarranted... The exercise illustrates victim blaming, social perceptions, and prejudice."
Source: http://www.apa.org/pi/ses/resources/publications/social-class-exercises.aspx
STRATEGIES FOR PARENTS AND TEACHERS:
1. Keep snacks in the classroom for students who may be hungry
2. Watch inspiring movies about people who overcame poverty to become successful
3. Help parents and guardians to access any assistance they may need
After Papa died, Zettie and Mama immigrated to the United States from Jamaica. Mama couldn't find a steady job so her and Zettie were forced to live in their car. This moving story helps to show the challenges that people face when they no longer have a home and also the strength and courage it takes to stay positive.
Gunning, Monica. A Shelter in Our Car. California: Children's Book Press, 2004. |
All Jeremy wants is a pair of shoes that everybody else is wearing, but his Grandma tells him that they only have enough money for the things they need like food and shelter. This picture book helps children to see that the most important things in life can't be bought.
Boelts, Maribeth. Those Shoes. Massachusetts: Cambridge Press, 2007. |
FOR MORE INFORMATION AND ASSISTANCE, CONTACT THE FOLLOWING:
Berks Community Action Program, Inc.
P.O. Box 22 518 Washington Street Reading, PA 19601 Tel: (610) 376-6571 http://www.bcapberks.org/index.html |
Greater Berks Food Bank
117 Morgan Drive Reading, PA 19608 Tel: (610) 926-5802 http://berksfoodbank.org/ |
Berks County Assistance Office
Reading State Office Building 625 Cherry Street Reading, PA 19602-1188 Toll Free: 1-866-215-3912 Tel: (610) 736-4211 www.dpw.state.pa.us |