One of Furstenberg’s main points on the influence of social class on child development is
options:
1) early differences in social class factors cannot be overcome
2) small differences in early learning that are related to social class factors become more consequential over time
3) social class factors have less influence on child development than has long been thought
4) small differences in early learning that are related to social class factors become less consequential over time
The correct answer and explanation is:
The correct answer is 2) small differences in early learning that are related to social class factors become more consequential over time.
Furstenberg argues that social class plays a significant role in child development, particularly in the early stages of life. He suggests that while small differences in early childhood experiences related to social class may seem insignificant at first, they accumulate over time and can have a growing impact on a child’s development. These differences often manifest in various forms such as educational opportunities, access to resources, parental involvement, and even health care.
Children from higher social classes typically have access to better schools, enriched learning environments, and more parental engagement in their education. These factors provide them with advantages that can help them excel academically and socially. On the other hand, children from lower social classes may not have the same opportunities, and their early learning experiences may be less enriching. This gap in early learning can set the stage for longer-term disparities in academic achievement and overall development.
The critical idea is that the impact of social class is not just immediate but accumulative. Early educational advantages or disadvantages do not remain static—they build over time, contributing to a widening gap in outcomes such as academic success, career prospects, and even health. Furstenberg’s work emphasizes the long-term consequences of these early differences, suggesting that interventions targeting these disparities can be crucial in reducing the impact of social class on future opportunities and development.
In summary, Furstenberg stresses that small early differences related to social class can have an increasingly profound effect as a child grows, affecting their future trajectory in ways that may be difficult to overcome later in life.