How it effects education today

Class Mobility…Reality or Myth?

• More people than ever believe that they can achieve the “American Dream”.

• Americans believe it is possible to move up in class ranks and improve their lifestyles.

We believe our children will have better lives than ours…

As children we believe that we have surpassed our parents status…

The Truth:

• Americans think that they are moving up, but in reality the movement of Americans between social groups has leveled off or slowed down.

Where people think they are…

…Where they actually are

Who is rich?

How much does an American family need to make to be considered rich?

How Do You Move Up in Class?

How Much Education Do You Need?

The Illusion: Consumer goods have helped to blur the lines between classes.

• The “right jeans and the right bag” can make class lines confusing

Can you tell the difference?

Direct Effects of Class

• Longevity

• Healthcare:

– More choices = better care

– Case Study: Jean - Upper Class, Will - Middle Class, and Ewa - Lower Class

Upper Class Patient

• Lives/works in a nicer neighborhood with multiple healthcare facilities close by, money is no problem– facilities have well trained doctors and specialists

on call.

• Easy access to rehabilitation programs and specialists.

• Support Systems

Middle Class Patient

• Lives/works in nice neighborhoods, however usually less choice in healthcare facilities and doctors.

• Rehabilitation programs available but not always convenient or affordable

• Some support systems

Lower Class Patient

• Lives /works in neighborhood where proper healthcare facilities are a farther distance away.

• Rehabilitation programs are inconvenient( if available at all) and too expensive.

• Support systems almost nonexistent.

Differences in Upbringing

• Healthcare

• Choice of schools

• Extra curricular activities

• Work experience

How does class affecthigher education?

• College dropout rate is rising

• Almost 1 in 3 Americans in their mid-twenties fall into this category, up from 1 in 5 in the late 1960’s.

How does social class factor in?

• Affirmative Action - colleges are actively recruiting low-income students.

– In 2004 only 41% of low-income students entering a four year college graduated within 5 years as opposed to 66% of high-income students.

• Barriers to going back

– Lower income students have less support systems at college.

What it all adds up to

• College graduates have received steady pay increases over the past two decades

– Everyone else’s has risen little over inflation

• As a result, income mobility in America has stopped rising.

No Degree?

• Less job security

What can we do about it?

• As educators we can start encouraging and implementing the support systems needed to help propel our students through tough situations.

Keller, Bill. Class matters. New York (N.Y.): Times Books, 2005. Print.