DIRECTIONS

Complete the following two columns by thinking about what is apt to be the more common experience of a child growing up in Justin's or Clark's situation. Considering that Justin represents a child born into the lower socioeconomic class and Clark represents one born into the upper middle class, your answers should reflect what is likely to be the more common experiences for children born into these situations.

Justin was born to a 16-year-old single mother who lived with her family in an inner-city housing project. When he was born, she dropped out of high school to care for him. After he started school, she took a job cleaning rooms in a local hospital. She is currently studying nights to get her General Equivalency Diploma (GED).

Clark was born to a suburban couple in their mid-thirties. His mother has an MBA, and his father is a lawyer. Clark's mother quit her job when he was born. She returned to a manage- rial position when his younger sibling was in junior high.

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180 Section 4 Understanding the Secondary Dimensions of Diversity

How might this child spend his time before he attends kindergarten?

When he goes to kindergarten, he is diagnosed with a learning disability. What types of help'is he most likely to receive?

During grammar school, how is he likely to spend his school vacations?

What types of after-school activities is he likely to participate in?

What role may sports play in his life?

He needs help with math in high school. What types of resources are most apt to be available to him?

Where can he learn about technology?

If his College Board scores aren't too high, what resources may be available to help him raise his scores?

If he needs an internship in college, who can help him secure one?

Given the differences of growing up in different social classes, what job-related life and career skills may he have that give him workplace advantages or disadvantages?