Getting this blog off the ground has been a bit more challenging that I imagined. Truly, I thought students would jump right in with insightful comments and thought-provoking questions. However, such has not been the case, and I'm wondering if it's because of the topics themselves or because of the unfamiliarity of blogland. If it's the latter, I can't help you much with that beyond a few instructions. However, I can try to come up with interesting topics.
In my Human Growth and Development online courses, I posed a question on the discussion board about the effects of SES on one's development. Everyone who responded agreed that socioeconomic status affects humans as they journey through life; however, it was interesting to read that many students used the beginning of school as the time when SES first began to affect people. I responded that I feel it begins even BEFORE BIRTH because of the foods the mother eats, the medical attention she receives, her stress level, her knowledge about the growing fetus, and so forth. After birth, the effects continue. Will a baby's mother live in a safe, stable environment with enough food, clothing, and appropriate shelter? Will the baby receive well-baby checkups? Will the mother talk to the baby?
In The Owner's Manual to the Brain, the author (Pierce Howard) reports that the children of professional parents hear an average of 2,100 words per hour, the children of working-class parents hear 1, 2000 words per hour, and children of welfare parents hear 600 words per hour. In addition, professional parents speak directly to their children three times as much as parents in the other two groups. "So what?" you might ask. The "what" is that that these language patterns are influential in determining differences in measurements of mental age at age three.
Can you think of additional ways in which a person's development might be affected by SES? Also, do you think these issues should be swept under the rug if they make us feel uncomfortable? Why or why not?
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8 comments:
In regards to the first part of your blog, it is probably a lack of time on most people's part. The topics have been very interesting. Secondly, I had to figure out how to be able to log on; I had never blogged before. It wasn't difficult, but as with anything new, a little intimidating to figure out at first.
Hmmm. Maybe I should spend some time in class actually demonstrating how to do it.
The comment about the women who wear high heeled shoes are asking for it...I agree, they are asking for bad backs and knees for the sake of fashion.
Good one. I'll be sure to pass this along to the young man who shared this with the class Tuesday.
Your post brings up another interesting topic: what motivates people to go to such lengths in the name of fashion, acceptance, or enhanced appearance? I'm talking about anything from piercings to nose jobs to liposuction and any and everything in-between.
I wonder that myself. Sometimes it seems what others think are beautiful reminds me of self-mutilation!
It's all about perception...or so I've been told. One of my nieces was determined to get a tattoo on the small of her back until one of her newly found college friends (a male) referred to it as a "tramp stamp." She was SO ANGRY and indignant to hear him speak so disparagingly of something she perceived as sexy and "with it." However, she didn't do it.
I will be honest here. After regaing all of the 50lbs from my son who is now 3 and a half, my self esteem has plumited. Some days I have good days when my out fit doesn't make me look huge or my face isn't broke out as much as usual. But than i watch tv and see all these tiny and by tiney I would settle for a siize 6 or 8, and I want that. I know it is vain and not important, but you can't help the way you feel. Some times it is scarey to think..."Does my husband notice all those extra pounds, does he want someone smaller like when we met?" Hopefully not, but there are the times when i wish I could have lypo and a tummy tuck. But deep down I know that I can fix it all with some diet and exercise.
Listen to the deep down voice that you keep hearing. While many people don't believe it or can't understand it, psychologists do a heck of a lot of research on weight control, self-esteem, exercise, health,and so forth...all of the topics you mentioned. I'm mentioning it in case you want to do a little research on the topic.
Another quick thought: I have found that most things worthwhile take time and effort and then more time and more effort with a little discipline thrown in for good measure.
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