A family from the upper-class may have more materialistic advantages than most. Our text noted, "The family is able to bear the maximum cost for child rearing (material goods, private schooling, setting up in business or career)." (Berns, pg. 97, 2010). The upper-class family may provide financial security to the children. This security enables the family to afford an above average lifestyle and is usually passed from generation to generation. The family may reside in an area with a safe and progressive school system that provides an education that covers more than basic test taking skills. The upper-class family may have access to activities for the children that offers opportunities to explore creative and athletic interests outside of the school system.
A family from the underclass may have more adversities than most. Our text noted that many of these families struggle with the cost of basic necessities of child rearing. Government and social services are essential in providing financial assistance in most of these families. Many of these families are led by single mothers or grandparents. Statistics show that these families may not have financial security and this insecurity is passed from generation to generation. The family may reside in an unsafe area and the school system lacks the materials needed to provide an education strong enough for the children to prepare the children to succeed in higher education. Extracurricular activities, creative or athletic, are not readily available to families from the underclass due to lack of funding and institionalized prejudice.

Four types of parenting styles:
Authoritative - parenting with a democratic lean. Controlling yet flexible. A "give and take" attitude towards parenting is evident. Rules and demands are rational. These parents are engaged in their children's upbringing. Communication is important. The