What Did The Research Of Melvin Kohn Reveal As The Determinative Factor In The Goals That Both Working-class And Middle-class Parents Had In Rearing Their Children?A. Opportunities Presented In The Life Course Were The Primary Factor.B. The Parents'
Understanding Parental Goals: Unveiling the Determinative Factor
The relationship between social class and parental goals has been a subject of interest in various studies. Melvin Kohn, a renowned sociologist, conducted extensive research to understand the determinative factors that influence the goals of working-class and middle-class parents in rearing their children. In this article, we will delve into the findings of Kohn's research and explore the primary factor that determines the goals of parents from different social classes.
The Significance of Parental Goals
Parental goals play a crucial role in shaping the lives of children. These goals can be categorized into two types: instrumental and expressive. Instrumental goals focus on the child's academic and career success, while expressive goals emphasize the child's emotional and social development. Understanding the determinative factors that influence parental goals is essential for developing effective parenting strategies and promoting child development.
Melvin Kohn's Research
Melvin Kohn conducted a comprehensive study to investigate the determinative factors that influence the goals of working-class and middle-class parents. His research revealed that the primary factor that determines the goals of parents from different social classes is the opportunities presented in the life course. Kohn's study found that working-class parents tend to focus on instrumental goals, such as their child's academic success and career prospects, due to the limited opportunities available to them. In contrast, middle-class parents tend to emphasize expressive goals, such as their child's emotional and social development, due to the greater opportunities available to them.
The Concept of "Opportunities"
The concept of "opportunities" is a critical factor in understanding the determinative factors that influence parental goals. Opportunities refer to the resources and experiences available to individuals, including access to education, employment, and social networks. Kohn's research suggests that the opportunities presented in the life course shape the goals of parents from different social classes. Working-class parents, who face limited opportunities, tend to focus on instrumental goals, while middle-class parents, who have greater opportunities, tend to emphasize expressive goals.
The Impact of Social Class on Parental Goals
Social class has a significant impact on parental goals. Working-class parents, who face economic and social constraints, tend to focus on instrumental goals, such as their child's academic success and career prospects. This is because they believe that their child's success is dependent on their ability to secure a good job and provide for their family. In contrast, middle-class parents, who have greater economic and social resources, tend to emphasize expressive goals, such as their child's emotional and social development. This is because they believe that their child's success is dependent on their ability to develop their emotional and social skills.
The Role of Parental Expectations
Parental expectations play a crucial role in shaping the goals of parents from different social classes. Working-class parents tend to have high expectations for their child's academic success and career prospects, while middle-class parents tend to have high expectations for their child's emotional and social development. These expectations are shaped by the opportunities presented in the life course and the social class of the parents.
In conclusion, Melvin Kohn's research revealed that the opportunities presented in the life course are the primary factor that determines the goals of working-class and middle-class parents in rearing their children. The concept of "opportunities" is a critical factor in understanding the determinative factors that influence parental goals. Social class has a significant impact on parental goals, with working-class parents focusing on instrumental goals and middle-class parents emphasizing expressive goals. Parental expectations play a crucial role in shaping the goals of parents from different social classes. Understanding these factors is essential for developing effective parenting strategies and promoting child development.
Based on the findings of Kohn's research, the following recommendations can be made:
- Working-class parents: Focus on providing opportunities for their child's academic and career success, such as access to education and job training programs.
- Middle-class parents: Emphasize the development of their child's emotional and social skills, such as through extracurricular activities and socialization with peers.
- Parents from all social classes: Recognize the importance of opportunities in shaping parental goals and strive to provide their child with access to education, employment, and social networks.
By understanding the determinative factors that influence parental goals, parents can develop effective strategies for promoting child development and achieving their goals.
Frequently Asked Questions: Understanding Parental Goals and the Determinative Factors
In our previous article, we explored the findings of Melvin Kohn's research on the determinative factors that influence the goals of working-class and middle-class parents in rearing their children. We discussed how the opportunities presented in the life course shape the goals of parents from different social classes. In this article, we will address some of the most frequently asked questions related to parental goals and the determinative factors that influence them.
Q: What are the primary goals of working-class parents?
A: Working-class parents tend to focus on instrumental goals, such as their child's academic success and career prospects. This is because they believe that their child's success is dependent on their ability to secure a good job and provide for their family.
Q: What are the primary goals of middle-class parents?
A: Middle-class parents tend to emphasize expressive goals, such as their child's emotional and social development. This is because they believe that their child's success is dependent on their ability to develop their emotional and social skills.
Q: How do social class and opportunities influence parental goals?
A: Social class and opportunities play a significant role in shaping the goals of parents from different social classes. Working-class parents, who face limited opportunities, tend to focus on instrumental goals, while middle-class parents, who have greater opportunities, tend to emphasize expressive goals.
Q: What is the role of parental expectations in shaping goals?
A: Parental expectations play a crucial role in shaping the goals of parents from different social classes. Working-class parents tend to have high expectations for their child's academic success and career prospects, while middle-class parents tend to have high expectations for their child's emotional and social development.
Q: How can parents from all social classes promote child development?
A: Parents from all social classes can promote child development by recognizing the importance of opportunities in shaping parental goals and striving to provide their child with access to education, employment, and social networks.
Q: What are some strategies for working-class parents to promote their child's academic success?
A: Working-class parents can promote their child's academic success by:
- Providing access to education and job training programs
- Encouraging their child to participate in extracurricular activities
- Setting high expectations for their child's academic performance
- Seeking support from teachers and other parents
Q: What are some strategies for middle-class parents to promote their child's emotional and social development?
A: Middle-class parents can promote their child's emotional and social development by:
- Encouraging their child to participate in extracurricular activities
- Modeling healthy emotional and social behaviors
- Providing opportunities for their child to develop social skills
- Seeking support from teachers and other parents
Q: How can parents from all social classes support each other in promoting child development?
A: Parents from all social classes can support each other in promoting child development by:
- Sharing resources and knowledge
- Providing emotional support and encouragement
- Collaborating with teachers and other parents to promote child development
- Advocating for policies and programs that support child development
In conclusion, understanding the determinative factors that influence parental goals is essential for promoting child development. By recognizing the importance of opportunities in shaping parental goals, parents from all social classes can develop effective strategies for promoting child development and achieving their goals.