Poverty Line Lifestyle

Scenario: Family of four (both working parents, 7 year old and a 3 year old), youngest child needs day care, living at minimum subsistence level (poverty line).

Monthly Expenses:
Food/Groceries-$350
Household goods-Dry goods such as toilet paper, napkins, toothpaste, pull-ups or diapers for the 3 year old: Averaging about $100.
Housing-Assume family is renting a 2 bedroom duplex = $1,000.
Health/Medical Care-$400
Transportation-Since this family is functions at a minimum subsistence level, they would choose public transportation via bus or light rail: $245
Entertainment-$30 for random treats, toys, or movie night.
Clothing-The family would be utilizing thrift stores to keep this expense low: $100
Daycare-$800
*This list does not include means of communication (i.e. cell phone, phone booth, etc.)

Total monthly cost of expenses: $3,025
Annual subsistence budget: $3,025 x 12 = $36,300
Government official poverty line: $22,113 
 *Difference of $14,187


Taking a step into the life of someone who may be experiencing such a life style of living at the poverty line really puts things into perspective for me. While going through each category of expenses, I did not feel that I was being over generous with any of the given monthly amounts; However I managed to be $14,187 over the government official poverty line. It must be very difficult, to say the least, to live a life with two kids in such a way. Now that I need to take a look back at where the money was spent, there is no obvious place that I can subtract hundreds of dollars here or there. Considering that the food monthly expenses are fairly high, if I were in the position similar to this family, I would look into food shelves or cutting down on varieties of food and stick to the basics such as bread, butter, milk, cheese, etc. and work on being creative with the slim variety in the cupboards. For the household goods, the family could utilize natural diapers (cloth and clothespin) since Pampers or other diaper brands may become expensive. Entertainment would need to be taken out completely and the family must use parks and zoos as forms of entertainment. Clothing expenses can be lowered and spent only every couple months instead of monthly. In terms of transportation, one or both parents may choose to jog or walk to work rather than bus or light rail. These choices are unpleasant.

Being in a financial situation such as this would be uncomfortable for both the parents and the kids. One must live with such awareness and little to no freedom in their expenses. This must cause a lot of stress and hardship. I'm sure it is not simple for a parent to have to explain to their children why they can't have this treat or that toy or go to a movie they want to see. There is immediate discomfort carried along with those thoughts, both for the children and the parents. It makes me realize all the things in my life that I take for granted: Food, housing, and medical care to be of the biggest. I live at home, virtually for free. I do not pay a monthly living fee, nor am I asked to contribute financially. My mom does the grocery shopping for 7 people living in my house. The expense is not little, however, affordable for her income and budget. I eat when I'm hungry but also when I'm bored or "snacky." After traveling to a poverty stricken country, Nicaragua, and putting myself in scenarios of living at the poverty line, it makes me realize all the days gifts I receive which may be as simple as a sandwich. We order pizzas often, go to movies when we are bored, take vacations every spring, shop at the mall on weekends, get pops and candy out of vending machines... all these things are often overlooked as blessings. Makes me need to take a second to release myself of my bound up tied with a bow life, and take one humble step backwards to think of those families who may never experience my comfortable living condition.

The last thing that a parent in this situation would want is for these harsh living conditions to carry into their children's lives as move out as individuals in the world. Although this is of course not the desires of the parents, the life style in which the children grow up may effect their availability to resources about education (college) or potential career paths/opportunities. I often forget about how lucky I am to have computers and laptops available at my leisure. Some families don't have the opportunity to surf the web and research in hopes of aiding their children's future education. Though I do think that families living at the poverty line can very well avoid such an issue by being active in their community, reading newspapers, staying involved with elementary teachers at the 7 year old's school, etc. The children may be emotionally and of physically effected by living at minimal subsistence level. I bet it is not easy for kids to hear stories from friends about Disney land, or seeing new dolls and action figures. Maybe they must go through a night hungry and wishing they could have a hot meal but the parents budget that month had run out. Nonetheless, after putting myself in the position of living at the poverty line, I get the impression that it is tiresome, sad, and unpleasant for all family members experiencing the hardship.

"Measuring" Academic Ability

The social structure of our education system is, as the book describes it, "a reality that determines life chances and choices." This plays out to be completely true in my experience as a student as well as lives of my closest friends and classmates.

Ever since my days in middle school at St. Anthony, I was becoming familiar with what it meant to, "Start preparing for the ACT." This sentence seemed to repeat in my mind but I never quite understood why it needed to be so, say, engraved in me... until I reached high school. It was in high school that that phrase suddenly turned into anxiety provoking- An immediate stressor.

High school in general is a critical time in an individual's life. For me, there seemed to be a sudden shift in priority. This time was no longer about expanding my group of friends, placing 1st or 2nd at my varsity gymnastics meets, shopping for prom dresses, searching for dates, but rather looking ahead to what I want to be for the rest of my life. My future. In the midst of discovering and becoming who you are, you are pulled from what comes naturally and forced to fit into a desired academic standard. The idea of homework, projects, papers that were assigned became merely impossible to accomplish because you knew teachers are grading harder than ever with a standard in mind. The task itself became scary. Almost as if you want to turn away and not try at all... anything to avoid the sight of a not passing grade on an assignment. Why was this so dreadful? The grades in high school are what make up your GPA whose partner in crime is the ACT and this dreadful duo determines your acceptance into colleges in which your career then crashes or fails! Every piece to the puzzle needed to be completed at your highest academic ability. But how is it that education systems across the country can sufficiently demonstrate each students academic ability? The point is-They can't.

Standardized tests are a quick and easy way of gaging where schools and students are at academically. However, the time restraint and strict environment in which one must perform this test is not in the slightest natural or calming and thus, not a great representation of one's academic ability. From my personal experience, the amount of anxiety and stress that this test caused me in the preparation stage was insane. After 3:00 AM the night before I was scheduled to take the exam, I had to take one of my mom's sleeping pills to literally knock me out and ensure at least four hours of sleep that night. Needless to say, the stress and anxiety dragged along with the standardized testing directly effected my test taking ability the next morning, for I was exhausted and by no means mentally at reset. Once I arrived in the unfamiliar classroom with unfamiliar faces, desks, clocks, papers, voices, there was never a point reached where I felt calm or at ease. The intensity of these teachers watching over you like hawks and working against the clock sets nearly everyone up for a worse performance on such an exam.

There are so many variables that are not taken into account when one is given a standardized exam. First of all, what type of intelligence is one measuring? When would street smarts or common sense come into play within the substance of the exam? Because I definitely think those characteristics are important aspects of an intelligent human being as well as features that colleges would find important upon accepting students into their academy. However, those aspects are not in the slightest accounted for. They are shadowed and looked over. Ones ability to maintain composure under stressful conditions seems to be the most accurate measurement of standardized tests.

Furthermore, it is obvious that the structure of education in the contemporary US has shaped me into the student that I am. The ways in which aspects of an individual's intelligence is evaluated could use some improvement to say the least. I hope that the future holds a better solution, one which is less stressful and demanding, in assessing the academic success of students upon acceptance into colleges. It is sad to think that because of the requirements and standards of these tests, some of the brightest individuals may be overlooked.

Deviance & Labeling Theory: Homosexuality

Deviance, as our book defines it, is the behavior, ideas, or attributes of an individual or group that some people in society find offensive. Right off the bat, without knowing much about the technical details of the term deviance or its background, a red flag appears when I read, "some people in society find offensive." That section of the definition indicates to me that there must be a separation in the beliefs or desires within the society causing the conflict. This is exactly true. In further research, other definitions of deviance describe it as actions or behaviors that violate social norms. After assuring this, it only seems right that these deviant acts or behaviors are those that exist outside of the guidelines society has made for social norms. It may not be those who are deviant are bad people, they just happen to stray or take the road less traveled. Sure, that's fine if people say, "Deviance is a failure to conform to culturally reinforced norms," but may I follow up with what's so wrong about that? Is it really worth creating a label or name for people who obtain such features? We, as a society, view that as deviant because it apparently comes off as offensive when people chose not to follow the predetermined pathway of behaviors or attributes. This, to me, is intriguing. It seems that this society tries to take a great deal of pride in what we claim to be correct or acceptable. It makes me wonder if society, and the designated norms that exist within society, is the core force behind what drives one to act deviant? Perhaps one feels the loss of individuality when constantly trying to fit into the cookie cutter shape society lays out for us all. Because-really... who gives society or the majority the right to declare one as normal? Normal is not a universalized term. Since what is considered normal is not consistent across countries, and within countries is constantly under construction being changed and altered... What's deviant one day may be next year's normal. Which is why the picture of this guy says it all, "The New Normal."

All these thoughts about names, defining, and titling of people is well described as the Labeling Theory. As defined in our textbook, the Labeling Theory states that deviance is the consequence of the application of rules and sanctions to an offender; a deviant is an individual to whom the identity "deviant" has been successfully applied. It's clear now that all my initial thoughts were making up the key aspect of the Labeling Theory. Now that is laid out in plain terms, I tried to think of more specific social situations in which this theory applies. The first situation I contemplated was homosexuality. Although I cannot speak from the direct perspective, however, ever since I was exposed to the term "homosexual" in middle school, I was soon exposed and observant to the stereotypes, harsh remarks, and intentional labeling that was incorporated with an individual's particular sexuality. Along with the labels as gay, faggot, homo, or whatever it may be... comes many negative connotations as well.

I find it unfair to categorize people based on who they are sexually attracted to.  Since a heterosexual individual is commonly viewed as one who exists within the norm of society, this places all who differ in sexual behavior in separate territory where they shall accept the label as deviant. By no means should this be a standard of whether one is deviant or not. Think of it this way-Lesbian or straight women do not represent two distinct populations of women, WE have created this classification/distinction. On a more positive note, I feel the US states where gay marriage is legal is an excellent way for our society to move in the direction of complete integration and acceptance of all those who have are involved sexually with a partner, no matter the gender. 

Family

What family means to me continues to evolve as my life progresses. Of course, when I was younger, I knew family as those who I live with who share the same blood as me. But as I have grown and experienced relationships with people and felt love in multiple directions, I have realized that family is more a connection of those who truly love each other. Although the blood may not be consistent throughout these members, why does that have to be the deciding factor in who you label as a family member? Family has become a means of having each others backs, being able to be yourself, trusting, and enjoying being in the presence of each individual who shines these characteristics. I feel this "definition" came to me because there are some of my blood relatives who have failed to show love, kindness, and compassion and as a result I find myself losing respect. My life has transformed in a way that does not follow the cookie cutter US family. Divorces happen, gay relationships are real and to be respected as well as accepted, and multiracial marriages cannot and should not be restricted. Relationships involving love and family should in no way be interrupted by law or norms. The picture below shows some of my family! Five of the people are of blood relation, the other four are people who continuously show all the characteristics of what, for me, constitutes a family member.

There are, of course, some issues that are considered "sticky" when it comes to families. In particular, one topic I cannot directly speak from my heart about, but know a couple who have experienced some life long difficulties: a gay couple struggling to gain acceptance by one of the partner's family who lives in India. The story and heartbreak that it brings this couple makes me wish there was a world who understood that love is love. Partners of almost 15 years still remain in silence of their love for each other in fear of being rejected by fellow family members. No matter what sex, race, age... If the feeling is there, why can anyone make a judgement call or place an opinion on such a personal and intimate topic? It is a complex and dispiriting topic.

Impressions

Impression management, though I am new this terminology, has always been an intriguing aspect of human behavior that I often tune into. Observing the way that someone changes in the presence of a particular person or situation often makes me wonder if the people I am in everyday contact with are putting on, so to speak, a display to appear a certain way for my approval. I feel that there are certain situations in which impression management is necessary, such as, a job interview or meeting a boyfriend or girlfriend's parents. These situations in particular one would want to eliminate poor behavior not to necessarily gain approval moreover to display their best qualities.


Personally, I think there is a difference in those who use impression management to gain approval of a group of friends or at a party. This seems to be changing or conforming to ones standards in order to fit in. When someone is acting on their best behavior to please another (job interview example) they are still true to themselves, just shining their most favorable traits. Whereas, when someone is meeting a group of people trying to fit in, their impression management may not be true to themselves but rather an act of conformity to blend to the characteristics of that particular group. This type of impression management is what I enjoy being a witness of. I feel it does nothing gain temporary approval that is set up for future failure. If someone is putting on a show to gain approval, they are not giving a taste of their true self, as time goes by, unless they continue the display for continuous validation, their inner self must come through and then what happens? Maybe this never comes full circle, but does that mean that conformity had played such a huge role that ones personality had been molded to what the group originally desired from him or her? It's an interesting cycle and I think about it often. I have had many falling outs with past friends and sometimes I feel I can attribute this to impression management. I believed they were someone that they did not turn out to be. Impression management impairs one ability to read true character... At least this has proved to be true to my life experiences.

There are not only times in which I have observed people using impression management but there are also many times that I recognize these behaviors in myself. One situation that I can think of in particular is my job. I nanny for multiple families around the neighborhood in which I live. It is always an exciting moment when I get a call from a new parent interested in me caring for their child/children. More often than not, the family wishes I meet the children and get a tour of the house prior to the nannying times they need. In the first couple years of this routine, I would be nervous at this point! I thought a lot about what I want to wear, how I want to appear physically. I didn't want to wear jeans with holes in them or low cut shirts... I suppose, thinking back on it, I tried to create an image of a mom or stereotypical neighbor-girl babysitter. As a few years have passed and I still work as a nanny, I suppose I have gained some confidence in my position and no longer feel the need to express myself any differently than I am naturally... my real self. I before felt as if I had to work to fit the role in all aspects of a nanny, now I am that role with no strain or effort.

Nature vs. Nurture

I have taken two psychology courses that have briefly touched upon the Nature vs. Nurture debate, and each time I have learned some about the topic I have been left with questions and, I guess you could say, food for thought. I am glad that it has again came up in this course so I can thoroughly understand the logistics of this debate that has been controversial for centuries. I find it fascinating to study the theories of human development, for we are such complex beings.

When speaking in terms of nature and nurture, nature refers to the idea that we are who we are based off our genetics. Nurture, on the opposing end, refers to the idea that we are who we are because of the way to grow up and our environmental factors. 

By adopting the idea that we are who we are based off genetics, we are, as the book describes it, "the predetermined product of our genes and biochemistry." Personally, I have a difficult time digesting the notion that we are destine to mature and evolve into exactly what our genes and DNA codes for. It is, however, undeniable that genetics has an immense influence on who we are. It commonly known that parents pass on traits such as hair type, eye color, height, etc. to their offspring. The Nature argument includes these known facts but takes a step further in declaring that our genetics determine other traits such as personality and intelligence. There is no way to prove this to be exactly true, however, scientists have studied behavior in fraternal and identical twins raised together and also raised separately. Seeing similarities in their behaviors when raised separately implies that despite their differences in their environments in which they grew up, they still have similar qualities that must be attributed to their genes. This serves as an interesting study, however, I have had the experience of getting to know identical twins who displayed differences in interests, behaviors, and personality. These two girls were a year older than me, I was never super close with either of them but had the opportunity to get to know them both, separately, in different situations. One of the twins I was in an art class with. I enjoyed her presence in the class, her soft laugh and thoughtful input on my artworks. Her sister, on the other hand, I had gotten to know because our nightlife would often line-up. She acted completely different, loud laugh and striving to be the center of attention. It was always so intriguing to me, as a bystander, to analyze their behaviors and wonder how they became so different. Their case, in particular, proves to me that their environment and external factors have molded them into the people that they are today; separate dreams, personalities, habits, and interests.


In contrast, if Nurture exists as the theory of human development this implies, as the book explains, that we are born and "created from scratch by the people and the social institutions that surround us." Although this statement may strike some as extreme, there are many instances in which it is easy to declare that environment plays a crucial role in our development. For instance, I have experienced the impact of ones physical environment (location, demographics, and schooling) on their personality and daily behaviors.

 I have lived in Minneapolis since I was 2. My two girl cousins (one my age, other two years younger) grew up in Plymouth (a suburb of Minnesota) their whole lives. Growing up in Minneapolis I was exposed to city life, diversity, crime, art, etc. There were countless nights when I would have my cousins attempt a sleepover at my home in Minneapolis where their fear of the city would get the best of them. Their environment in which they grew up had and still has an impact on their behaviors even now as grown adults. There is no doubt about the fact that the nurture of a child plays a key role in the development of their personality and other aspects that define who they are. A child who is sheltered and does not become exposed to the world for what it is, rather, a select section of it in which ones parents determine-will grow up to have varying traits in personality than a child who is encouraged to experience the world in all aspects, regardless if situations are scary or dangerous.

The fact that each side of the argument (Nature or Nurture) has its faults, or exceptions to the rules, makes it clear to me that there must be a medium. Human life and development, as I stated before, is so complex... it only seems makes sense that there are factors of both nature and nurture that contribute to our growth and maturation.

This is my understanding of this continuous debate thus far in my studying and contemplation, feel free to add your opinion or thoughts!

Role of Culture and Norms in Society

My sister, Claire (right), and I are close. Not a week goes by where one of us isn't in need of a good listener--someone to vent to. We are similar but very different at the same time which allows us to agree on things as well as give alternative perspectives on the topic at hand. When I read this assignment I knew that putting her in a situation deviating from our norm as well as the society norm of being face to face (within, say, a 3 foot distance) with someone when you're in a deep conversation would, in the least, confuse her. She was a good candidate in the sense that I could feel comfortable "acting" or doing this activity without me displaying that I am aware of the abnormal activity. Observing one's response to an offbeat behavior is a great way to analyze the effects of declared norms in society and everyday life.

I walked to Claire's bedroom at a time that I knew she would be available for chatting. However, instead of walking in and joining her sitting on her bed, I stood in the doorway. I asked if I could talk to her regarding one of my friend situations. Her, confused why I even asked in the first place and why I hadn't fulling entered her room said, "Yeah, come sit." I quickly disregarded her offer and jumped right into what I had to say. I felt awkward but stuck to my plan and made sure I didn't give away my act. I did not raise my voice to assist her in hearing my story, I spoke as if we were face to face. Being so, she waved me over while I was talking and I again ignored her and acted normal. This behavior made me feel uneasy because there was a tense feeling in the room, it would be only a matter of minutes until she acted upon my behavior and changed hers to fix mine. She stood up and walked near me and leaned against the wall so we were, finally, face to face. She had normalized the situation. Once this happened I let out a sigh and said, "Ok, I didn't come sit on your bed for a reason, I was just observing your response to my abnormal behavior." When I asked her how she felt when I was standing at such a distance from her in attempt to have an in depth conversation she explained it as, "Just weird." She had a difficult time answering my question of why that was weird for her. Claire's best reasoning for why was because, "Well, normally if someone wants to have a deep convo about something they chose to sit close, in more an intimate setting... not stand in the fricken doorway." And she laughed. This explained it all, of course she would mention the word normal in her explanation of how I was failing to act.

Social norms are unwritten rules about how we behave. It is as if everyone is following a particular standard and to deviate from this is perceived as a bizarre. Given a situation or circumstance, one can almost always predict how the average person will react to an event based off the norm. There is a level of conformity that plays a big role in the development of norms. I see this very often at my age; working to fit in at parties, dress a particular way, have a certain response to an ear full of gossip. Norms are like a common thread amongst us all, but what are they doing... what purpose do they serve? I feel norms shape and form us into who we aren't, rather, who society wants us to be. Norms play such a huge role in our everyday lives that it is difficult, if not impossible, to imagine what our country would be like without these guidelines. Who knows? Maybe there would be a lot more diversity, creativity, and ideas flowing. It is intriguing and complex to think about. Since norms have such an influence on how and what we do, I have more respect for those who are able to step out against the norm and demonstrate their individuality.



 Culture, on the other hand, I feel plays a role in our lives in a more saturated and meaningful way. In my opinion, culture serves as a foundation of values and morals that connect our country. It is the intertwined understanding and knowledge behind who we are as a nation and how we have become this way. It is the common ground that we have built in which we all can recognize and respect.