Specific Hypothesis: This paper will explore the claim that additional investment and development of a comprehensive educational reform by the US government will help young Americans pursue the American Dream and achieve high results in their socialization through obtaining education and, as a result, good jobs.
Applicable Sociological Concepts
Social Learning Theory
Socialization is one of the most important processes in the life of an individual and many factors affect this process (Macionis, 2010).
Education is one of the most potent factors in the process of an individual’s socialization as young people learn more about societal norms and patterns and obtain the necessary knowledge and skills to become a part of this society.
Rational Choice Theory
Financial component of socialization. Money has always shaped people’s behaviors and financial component plays an important role in the process of education.
Two impacts money has on education. On the one hand, lots of people strive for higher education to have more job opportunities in future, and, on the other hand, some do not have enough money to get education.
Practical Implications
Implications for public policy
Reasons for the change in the educational system. Honda (2011, p. 3) stresses that education should be equitable and accessible; otherwise, “the foundation of our democratic society is compromised”.
Possible outcomes for the society. These are higher quality of education and more opportunities for young people in the job market as well as in the society.
Implications for employers
Ability to change in the rapidly changing business environment. More educated young professionals are likely to help employers develop their businesses as young professionals are more flexible and ready for change which is essential for any company (Applebaum et al., 2014).
More competitive labor market. Labor force will become more competitive as younger professionals will become a good competition for older employees who often lack enthusiasm and motivation.
Tax payers
Financial Aid
High rates of unemployment among young people lead to additional burden on tax payers. There is financial aid to unemployed young people.
Crime
Unemployment is also associated with higher rates of crime and, as a result, higher expenditure on detention and maintenance of prisons.
Financing educational system
Financial aid
Numerous educational programs involving financial aid to less well-off young people have resulted in higher rates of employment and involvement in volunteering which means that many young people are eager to obtain higher education.
The Earned Income Tax Credit
This is one of the most effective anti-poverty incentives as it has helped decrease unemployment rate (Applebaum et al., 2014).
The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act
This act enabled the federal government to finance different state where disparity of opportunities is significant.
Public opinion
Positive attitude
People believe that higher education is likely to lead to better opportunities in the future (Honda, 2011).
Desire to study
Participation of young people in a variety of educational programs suggests that lots of young people are eager to obtain higher education and achieve high results.
Conclusion
All available evidence support the hypothesis that proper financing and comprehensive reform of the education can increase quality of education and decrease unemployment rate as well as help young people to socialize more easily and effectively.
Reference List
Applebaum, A., Broughton, K., Croner, B., D’Amico, M., & Visnaw, J. (2014). Renewing the American dream for young workers: education and economic opportunities for young Americans. Web.
Honda, M. (2011). Preserving the American Dream: A teacher-turned-congressman starts a national dialogue on equity. Web.
Macionis, J. (2010). Sociology. Boston, MA: Pearson Learning Solutions