How is SES measured? Explain.

SES is an acronym that means Social Economic Class.  Socioeconomic class is the measure of influence a social environment has on families, individuals, schools and communities. To measure SES, you have to calculate the factors of income, occupation, education, neighborhood, and political power. Each factor is under consideration to determine the underlying affect is has on the socioeconomic status. Also, to determine an individual’s SES, you have to incorporate the same five factors by how a person meets their financial responsibilities.

 

Describe at least 2 negative effects of low SES.

The negative effects of a low socioeconomic status can affect a child’s cognitive development. In families experiencing low SES, a child is more prone to lead poisoning, premature birth, and fetal-alcohol syndrome. During a premature birth, a child experiences diminished brain development. In cases involving fetal-alcohol syndrome, is a type of condition that leads to mental retardation. Each negative factor leads to language delays, learning disabilities, and maintain attention.

 

Describe some of the differences concerning education and student achievement levels in Low SES families versus High SES families.

Schools that are faced with low SES neighborhoods are more likely to have fewer resources. Students begin school with little preparation, and require a more skillful approach. Schools that are faced with such dilemmas have a low graduation rate and do not plan on attending college. Student achievements in low SES families include a low self-fulfilling prophecy. Students who are a part of low SES classes may dress different than others leading to the teacher assuming they are not intellectual. That mindset can lead to a student not being engaged in the classroom, as well as a sense of not belonging. Children that considered high SES families are more likely to do more reading, more skill building, and less television watching.

 

Describe some options that are available for Low SES families concerning education.

There are multiple options available for Low SES families concerning their child’s education. Families that are considered among the low SES standard, should practice the idea of concerted cultivation. Concerted cultivation is a process where families attempt to stimulate a child’s brain by allowing them to use their talents in organized activities. Research shows that children in the lower SES class have weaker language skills rather that of higher SES classes. When family practices the movements mentioned above, the child has a greater chance of obtaining the required skills to perform well in the classroom.

 

Explain how socioeconomic status determines the economic conditions of persons.

The socioeconomic status determines the economic condition of people in several ways. The socioeconomic status is determined by factors such as occupation, education, neighborhood, and income. When you calculate each factor, you determine which class each family is listed under. There are three areas that each family will either fall under. This includes high SES, middle SES, and low SES. Also, one’s occupational prestige can determine the socioeconomic condition that a family may fall under.

 

Can a person change their SES? If so, describe how. If not, describe why not.

Through my observation, I have determined that a person can in fact change their socioeconomic class. The type of occupation you have sets the standard for which category of SES you fall under. In order for a person to achieve a higher SES class, a higher field of education may be required. Other areas may include living in a better neighborhood. Overall, an individual can change their SES if they are willing to put in the time and effort to see change.

 

Concerning the YouTube video, describe what you learned

When I watched the video “Economic Equities” I learned how the nation’s income is distributed. According to the video, there are three different views that everyone believes money is transferred. The three areas include what Americans think, ideal views, and the actuality. The video states that exactly 1% of Americans hold over 40% of the entire nation’s wealth. The bottom 80% only holds 7% of the entire nation’s income. Both statistics are staggering amounts that each social class holds.

Summary

Lesson 3 in the Education 2120 class dealt with the idea of socioeconomic class and how that applies to education. Secondly, we viewed a video about “Wealth Inequality in America”. This video shared about how the nation’s income is dispersed among the low, middle, and higher social class.  This lesson was very interesting and allowed me the opportunity to view the different levels of socioeconomic class and education. Overall, this particular lesson furthered my knowledge about SES, and Wealth Inequality.