How Children in Poverty Can Change Their Life?
The truth about child poverty is that these children have no idea about the social behaviors of the middle class. As they grow older, they want to have a better life—-they want all those things that children in the middle class want.
However, within the culture of the middle class, there are rules of behavior which are unknown to the child living in a culture of poverty. These rules reside in the reflexive loop of middle class children—–mindless common practices that are such an integral part of the upbringing that they become “common sense.”
Children raised in the middle class might selectively break these rules, but they definitely know they are breaking them. When children in poverty encounter the middle class for the first time, they will face immediate rejection.
I discuss the details of the hidden rules for all the social classes, including a comparative behavioral chart.
If you are interested in viewing this chart please click on the post title, Life Changing Rules for a Better Life.
Children in poverty may have different behaviors than the middle class, but they want to achieve success just as much as any other child. The problem is, they are unable to escape from the culture of poverty, unless and until, they learn the behaviors and language of the culture of the middle class.
Very interesting article, as is your whole blog.
I have been trying to break out of the cycle of generational poverty my whole life, finding it difficult for many of the reasons you cite. In my childhood, I did not learn the rules or values that you refer to in your article – not sure if I know them all yet. My parents, relatives or friends certainly didn’t teach them to me directly or even by example.
The question is: If the culture that you are immersed in throughout your childhood doesn’t teach, or even know, these rules, how do you learn them? For me, it has been a slow and at times painful learning process. Is there some way to “speed up” the learning? Is there some course, book or magazine article that enumerates these rules and values?
Searching the Internet, I have found some resources – your blog is among the best – but mostly they talk about things in somewhat vague terms – “rules”, “values”, “attitudes” – but rarely do they talk specifically about what these actually are.
From my perspective, a post on how these rules are or are not programmed into us during childhood is interesting, but ultimately that doesn’t do me any good. What I really need are the specifics about exactly what the rules are.
I will also be leaving a comment on your most recent post to follow up this comment.
Tim,
Your comments and questions are very familiar to me. If you send me your snail mail address, I’ll mail you a free copy of my book. I think my memoir will answer many of your questions. On a personal level, I’d like to compliment you on your writing skills. The way one communicates, both orally and in writing, is a major factor in breaking the cycle of poverty. Best, Doug
Doug,
Thank you on the compliment on my writing skills. They are much better than my speaking skills. Even after years of practice, I still find myself mangling words at times as my Southern mill town accent sneaks through – especially when I am excited or upset about something. Writing is easier because I can always proofread and correct my mistakes.
Thank you also for the offer to send a book.
Tim Gamble