On page 31, two types of equality and inequality are listed. Virtually all Americans desire and think we should work toward "equality of opportunity." Should we also desire and work toward "equality of outcome"? Why do you answer as you do?
Both Cheryl and Jesse found careers in education, yet Cheryl admitted that she wished she would have explored other career options. Does the American dream of "a better life," both in 1959 and presently - through upward mobility that's predicated upon higher education - have sets of limitations and/or scripts for different individuals based on race, gender, age, income, etc., or is the romantic ideal that anyone can be whatever they want to be still possible? If not, was it ever possible?
Chapter 2
Two social norms helped make the Ozzie-and-Harriet family possible:
a strongly patriarchal division of labor, coupled with widely shared prosperity that allowed most families to get by on one male income
a strong norm against out-of-wedlock births, so that premarital pregnancy was typically followed by "shotgun" marriage. Most baby boomers, as a result, were raised by both biological parents. (61-62)
Are these norms still in effect in today's America? Could they be? Why or why not?
What do you see as the primary cause of the breakdown in families and the development of the culture of the bottom tier?
Chapter 3
What was your reaction to the three families Putnam highlights in this chapter? Do you agree or disagree with the implied causal relationship between class and family culture he's emphasizing?
Sample Solution