Introduction
Poverty is one of the most serious problems in the modern world. Moreover, it is a universally recognized obstacle to sustainable economic and social development. Poverty has always been an urgent problem, but in America of the 21st century, this issue is especially acute. At the present time, the income of a significant part of the population is below the poverty line. Unfortunately, such problems affect a large number of families with children, who most of the time cannot afford new clothes, household appliances, or even food. Several researchers have studied issues of economic and social classes. It is evident that even in democratic society inequality still exists, although many barriers have fallen away since the last centuries. One of the most popular social classes models was developed by Dennis Gilbert and Joseph Kahl which includes the capitalist class, the upper-middle class, the lower middle class, the working class, the working poor, and the underclass (Henslin 237). As for my family, I would identify its position on a social ladder as upper-middle-class since I have got the rare opportunity to pursue higher education. After all, not all families in the U.S. have the financial stability to provide a college or a university degree for their children.
Main body
As for the children that were shown in the film, their economic situation seems to be pessimistic as they are stripped of many opportunities. Their parents cannot afford to buy new shoes so they have to fix up the old ones, they cannot buy a refrigerator so they use a sink full of ice instead. The children constantly express their discontent with the current circumstances, saying that even though they love their family, they wish they were not poor because they feel left out of society (Poor Kids). Nevertheless, it can also be seen that children have a glimmer of hope about their future. They are motivated to stay at school and work hard for their education not only because their parents would be proud of them. Children believe that good grades will open new doors for them to escape this condition and turn their lives for the better. For this reason, it can be safely assumed that they have a positive view of their social mobility, even though at the first glance their goals may seem hard to achieve. After all, they cannot rely on any financial help from their family; that is why moving up the social ladder will be challenging for them.
Conclusion
As for me, I would not say that I can relate to their stories as I feel like I had more opportunities handed to me. My parents can afford most of the things that are essential for life; that is why I do not have to worry about anything aside from my studies. Therefore, I have all the support that I need to pursue higher education, get a steady and good-paying job, and transition from one social class to another. Despite the fact that nowadays the economic situation is not consistent, I believe that through my education I will be able to settle myself and my future family in the upper-middle-class or even in the capitalist class. After all, it is one of the quickest and most effective methods to climb up the social ladder.
References
Poor Kids. (2017). Wev.
Works Cited
Henslin, James M., et al. Sociology: A Down to Earth Approach. Pearson Higher Education AU, 2015.
Poor Kids USA: Frontline. Directed by Jezza Neumann, PBS, 2017.