A Close Relationship between Education and Social Class - Report Example

Education and There is a close relationship between education and social A social is a group of people with a similar wealth, power and prestige rank. The social class of an individual determines his educational level directly and indirectly. Most individuals of the upper class are more educated as compared to those of the lower class (Levine 160). The former group of individuals acquires their degrees from prestigious universities and colleges because they have the means and money to receive higher education. Consequently, they are more likely to land well paying jobs and higher salaries. As a result, their children attend prestigious schools and the cycle continues (Levine 160). Class difference between public and private high schools The debate of public and private schools is very common. Some argue that private schools are better because they offer quality services. Other bias argues that public schools are better because they equip students with practical skills and real life experiences. The harsh reality is that the difference between public schools and private schools is the money involved. Public schools are cheaper as compared to private schools. They do not charge parents for tuition because they receive funding through the federal states and local taxes. Consequently, most of the students in these schools belong to a lower class. In addition, they are lower class schools because they are underfunded, understaffed and house many students. Private schools have to generate their own funding, tuition payment is mandatory. Funding comes from tuition, fundraisings and grants. As a result, they mostly serve students from the high social classes who have the capacity to raise the high tuition fee (Van & George 146). Class difference among colleges The next logic step after finishing top of the class for any student is to enroll in the best university. This is not the case as determined by social class. Parents from the low-income class have limited information regarding the application process and the quality of colleges, hindering their child’s probability of attending a competitive school. Studies have also revealed that college student who have at least one parents with a 4-year degree perform better than students whose parents do not (Levine 169). The elite colleges are expensive and dominated by the high-income students and the upper middle class students. The college admission system and the high costs present fewer opportunities for low class students. The reserving of spots, which was the pillar of the older system, is no longer in practice. The high tuition rates are unaffordable for the poorer students. Consequently, these schools comprise majorly of the high social class students. The low-income students and most of the middle class students present in these colleges because they are beneficiaries of scholarship or grants. In recent years, low-income students received 50% more support than richer students. Generally, the upper middle class students dominate the superior universities. Elite colleges do not give a chance to poor students who apply. Colleges such as Yale, Harvard, Princeton and others give admission to the minority students based on athletics and legacy. Admitting low-income students means less spots for the alumni children who are the financial backbone of the colleges (Van & George 134). Dropout in colleges Most of the low-income students drop out of college to fend for themselves and their families. These students have to work in order to meet the high costs associated with studying. Most of them have parents or siblings who affect their education and they do not study past community college. Studies reveal that of the 75% of students who enroll in community college, only 17% enroll in higher colleges. The rest are in the work force with the hope that they will one day enroll into the 4-year institution. Colleges with a higher enrolment of lower income student offer a few choices of majors due to their limited resources. This results into students being unmotivated and uninterested. They feel that the time wasted in going to classes is best-spent making money at a job. Most of these students are from places where they invest in the factory work ethic despite the rapid collapse of many factories. In addition, many low-income high schools fail to do a proper job of preparing their students for college (Levine 164). Most of the low-income students know very few people who have made it through college, making it difficult for them to trust in the system. Research shows that about 70% of high-income students manage to graduate. In contrast, only about 45% percent of low-income students finish and graduate. This gap has widened over years. It is worth noting that the gap between the children of the rich and the poor has also widened over time. Social class also determines the campus experiences (Levine 164). Good school and class status A good school produces students who perform highly. Such a school provides their students with the resources that enable them achieve their full potential. The teachers in good schools help their students to better themselves and maximize on their strengths and talents. Moreover, the teacher student connection is present. Research shows that the poor schools are incapable of high levels of academic achievement even if the level of funding is to go upwards. The high teacher student ratio in public schools is incapable of meeting each student’s individual needs (Lanham 67). Therefore, middle class schools and high-class schools are epic examples of good schools because they perform better. In addition, the teachers can assess their students better because their classroom houses fewer students meaning that the teacher student ratio is appropriate. While low-income schools employ some teachers who are still undergoing their studies, middle and high-class schools are strict about the teachers they employ. They only employ trained teachers who have attained their degrees and diplomas. These schools also provide a serene environment for learning and mental growth. Attending middle and high-class schools has no effect on an individual’s social status (Lanham 67). Conclusion Affirmative action is under consideration in colleges in order to provide opportunities for students from various social classes. The exclusions and inequities experienced in many campuses are slowly disappearing (Lareau 132). Most colleges are now increasing the financial aid to allow diversification of the programs offered. In addition, admissions are on scrutiny to ensure that there is a balance of students from various economic backgrounds and stature (Lareau 132). University policies are under review and policy makers support programs whose basis is class background. Furthermore, several states have banned racial discrimination preferences in colleges and threatened to outlaw such programs. Works Cited Lareau, Annette, and Dalton, Conley. Social Class: How Does It Work? New York: Russell Sage Foundation, 2008. Print. Levine, Rhonda F. Social Class and Stratification: Classic Statements and Theoretical Debates. Lanham: Rowman & Littlefield Publishers, 1998. Print. Stillwell, John C. H. Spatial and Social Disparities. Dordrecht: Springer, 2010. Print Van, Galen J, and George W. Noblit. Late to Class: Social Class and Schooling in the New Economy. Albany: State University of New York Press, 2007. Print Read More