FARMS

[Anonymous]

I think part of the problem is imprecise language. Often people use middle-class families as shorthand for families that put a value on education, that will push their kids, make it clear to kids that education is a top priority. A family's wealth is not necessarily indicative though. The American Dream was built on the ambitions of poor immigrants. You can't compare two families based on their income. One may be at a low income for one generation and the emphasis with the kids is all about education. Another family with the same income may be on its third or fourth generation mired in poverty with so little hope left that education is not as encouraged as it should be. And it isn't just about not having money. I've seen plenty of immigrant families with parents from less educated backgrounds produce amazingly educated/accomplished kids.