It is argued by some that children who grow up in families that do not have a lot of money are better equipped to deal with the challenges of adulthood than those with privileged upbringings. This essay agrees with this statement. It will outline how those with modest upbringings can be more resourceful and adaptable to different environments, and also consider some of the arguments from those who disagree.
Children who grow up poor learn to make use of the limited resources available to them. This equips them to use resources, such as money, more efficiently than others. They are also able to work more proficiently in environments where tools are limited. For example, a child who grew up with little disposable family income is likely to be a more mindful spender in adulthood. However, it may also be the case that their upbringing makes them unambitious adults with low expectations from themselves.
Adults who grew up without much money may also have lower workplace expectations, making them more employable. A worker with low salary expectations is more attractive to employers than one with high expectations, making it easier for the former to enter the workforce. An earlier entry into the workforce means the individual starts gaining experience early, improving future work and salary prospects. However, it is also possible for these individuals to be unwilling to work in certain environments due to dogmatic personal views, which are more common among those from low-income families. For example, someone may be unwilling to work on a certain day of the week, due to it being “unlucky”.
In conclusion, children who grow up in poor families are able to deal with the problems of adulthood better than others because they are better able to work with limited resources, and to adapt to work environments that others may consider to be beneath them. However, it is also possible for them to be held back by a lack of ambition, and beliefs instilled in childhood.