Unequal Childhoods

There are some serious socio-economic issues that impact urban communities across the state of New Jersey. The real cost of living in New Jersey is the central issue for many families throughout the state but most importantly the urban centers. There are an astonishing number of families that meet the self-sufficiency standard whom are barely making ends meet. On the other hand there are families who are below or above the Federal Poverty Level (FPL), and many that are borderline-income is slightly above. Four out of the six families from unequal childhoods would have a tough time trying to maintain a lifestyle in New Jersey. This information is relevant to the urban educator because it will help with understanding the socio-economic dynamics of the community.

There are three families in Unequal Childhoods that would have a tough go at sustaining there families in Essex County, New Jersey. Take for instance the Taylor family, a single parent with an annual income of $20,000. According to the “Real Cost of Living In New Jersey” (NJRCL) they need an annual income of $39,000 just to be considered self-sufficient. There is a big disparity between the two, a $19,000 difference. To make things worst they can’t get any federal assistance. Keep in mind the FPL for a family of three was approximately $17,600.

Now let’s look at the two remaining less fortunate families the Brindles and the McAllisters, both receive public assistance. Neither of these families including the Taylor’s have any education beyond high school. According to “Not Enough To Live On”, households with in adequate income, 22% have less than a high school degree and only 36% have a high school degree. According to these reports there are families living in New Jersey that fit the aforementioned profile.

As for the Tallingers , the Williams, and the Marshalls they could live in New Jersey with there socio-economic position. There is only one family that lives in an urban area out of the three, the McAllisters and they have income which is double the self sufficiency standard for New Jersey with an annual income of $100,000.

This information will be useful for the urban educator because if gives him or her a point of reference. Being cognizant of the socio-economic issues within the community where you will be teaching can be a tremendous asset.

Unfortunately there are many problems associated with families who are socio-economically deprived. As an educator in an urban center, it is likely that I will be confronted with the 22% of families with inadequate incomes that only possibly have a high school diploma.

A concerned educator would want to have information that will help him or her develop the disposition needed to confront various issues. For instance, a student who you feel is genuinely interested in their academics becomes disinterested, maybe there are some mitigating factors which need to be implemented. It may require a call to the students home, to speak with the parents to get a gauge about their concerns. Whatever the issue may be having some knowledge about the community can help to resolve various problems.

In reality being an informed educator within the community will serve to help everyone involved, better understand each another. You can’t use the same approach for everyone in the community, especially in an urban city. It is so diverse that various approaches have to be adapted, to have an ameliorative effect.

My concern is for the student’s education and how I can motivate them to strive for excellence. To have an understanding that they can succeed regardless of the obstacles that may confront them. That hard work, persistence, faith and perseverance can supersede any of the negative in which they have no control.