After reading Ch.8 about Ellen Brantlinger’s study on social class and student identities I have chosen the following passage:

A decade after my interviews with high- and low-income adolescents, I have come to believe that though there are many losers in the complex and troubled
dynamics of social class relations in school, there may be no true winners. It therefore seems important that educators understand how class identities are
reinforced in student’s performances on the high school stage and how these relations might reveal the roots of some adolescents suffering (Michael
Sadowski, 157).

Typically it is thought that students from high economic backgrounds have all the advantages in their favor in school and are more successful compared to their peers who come from low economic backgrounds. While high economic background adolescents may have clear advantages, it is important to note they are also struggling in their own way and may be facing with difficulties that students from lower economic background may not have to deal with. There may be no “true winner” in this situation because whether apparent or not, everyone is going through problems of their own despite their socio-economic level.

As educators of adolescents, I believe it is important to not place assumptions on students based on their social class. Rather one should work with students and get to know their true selves, which can provide insight of any struggles that may be present. Additionally, as Bratnlinger suggests, it is very important to present students with curriculum and texts portraying stories of ordinary people, people of both high & low economic backgrounds that have faced struggle, and have pushed through to improve their lives, or perhaps learn of “empathetic and brave activists” (Sadowski 159). These lessons will not only show students that they are all going through struggles but can also assist in bridging the gap in the divide between social classes.