Gap reason 2: Cultural perspective

Gap reason 2: Cultural perspective

Focus on short-term rather than long-term goals

I think there are many reasons why there is a gap between Caucasians and Hispanics. One of the main reasons is culture. I think our culture doesn’t pressure education on our students as much as Caucasians do. We tend to be more interested and occupied in obtaining short term money instead of a long term education status.—Ally, February 23, 2008, EDCI 4322-60

I think that many Hispanics, especially the young ones, think about what is happening right now instead of what will happen in my future. They are more concerned about how they look and were they will go this weekend. I think you are right about the individual making the decisions. I think we stereotype ourselves and many are stuck. Some learn from there mistake and push their children to do better and some I suppose they figured well I did ok and I didn’t even go to college. Its all about values.—Mina, February 28, 2008

Lack of parent support

I would think that culture plays a role; everyone’s culture plays a role in their upbringing and education is part of background knowledge. Parents instill in us what they have learned so again I reference background knowledge. I think that if the parents have a positive out look on education they so will the learner. —Ry*, February 25, 2008, EDCI 4322-60

I do believe that our culture does play a role in the educational gap we have different values, priorities, morals and parents view of school. Parents are one of the most important key elements to the educational gap. There are parents that know what education can do for their child. Some motivate their child to go to school and learn everything they are being taught. Some parents don’t care and lets their child do what they please and the child doesn’t want to go to school.—Kassi, February 25, 2008, EDCI 4322-60

In my opinion it is a variety of factors. I've been seeing on the thread its due to culture, education, and motivation from the parents. I do agree with everyone else's thoughts, but there are variables to these as well. For that on the motivation from parents, I do agree most parents don't seem to care and just influence their child to do work instead of learn. —John Jefferson February 25, 2008, EDCI 4322-60

(However), I think blaming it on parents’ lack of educations is a scapegoat. They as parents should only want what is best for their children, so they should push their kids to do well and achieve more than they did. I think that it is every generation’s wish to have their kids achieve more than the previous generation.–Ry*, February 25, 2008, EDCI 4322-60

Family first, education second

My culture, the Hispanic Culture, is very tight knit and protective of family. You can't escape your family even if you want to because there is always a string that forever brings you back to your roots. In education, school, university, and life it all, for some revolves around the family. Sometimes an individual doesn't do what they really want to do because of family obligations. It is true for other cultures but not as numerous in cases as it is for the Hispanics culture. It is good to have such strong ties to family but, sometimes it does hinder individuality.—Lucy, March 2, 2008, EDCI 4322-60

I believe that the difference between Caucasians and Hispanics in schools does have a lot to do with our culture and its expectations. People in our society comply to what is expected of them. Many Hispanics I know can not come to school because they can not afford it. They must provide for their families, that take importance over school.--Grace, February 19, 2008, EDCI 4322-60

That is my point. Many times families are too big or even if they are not big maybe they have a family member that can not work and so their children have to work to maintain themselves and get what they want. Therefore putting themselves or family first and taking care of what is happening right now instead of what is going to be better for them later in life.--Mina, February 21, 2008

What to say? I think culture is the main factor. Especially as a woman, many families have the idea that they do not need an education for what they are going to do once they get married.—Melody Barrera, February 23, 2008, EDCI 4322-60

There are many factors that must be taken into consideration concerning the education gap such as money, teachers, resources, and culture. I think Caucasians place a greater value on education than Hispanics because of low expectations, and it all starts at the home. However, because of my location, I haven't been exposed to lots of Caucasians so my assumptions may be entirely false. I have a very good Hispanics friend of mine that lets her daughters stay home if they don't want to go to school and praises their "D" and "C" grades. —Juanita C. Torres, March 3, 2008, EDCI 4322-60

There is not a correct answer for the educational gap. They can be many things, family priorities, educational curriculum, or stereotyping in educational material. In Hispanic families, some tend to place financial needs first then school. Caucasian for the majority place school first then anything else. The educational curriculum varies in different states and some might work better then the ones we use. Stereotyping can also be the cause, the people that design our curriculum and test are majority Caucasian and they are not designing educational material to students needs.—Sunny, February 25, 2008, EDCI 4322-60

To read more on Closing the Achievement Gap:

Greetings from the editor
Closing the Achievement Gap: Introduction
Gap reason 1: Historical perspective
Gap reason 2: Cultural perspective
Gap reason 3: Economical perspective
Gap reason 4: Linguistic perspective
Gap reason 5: Educational perspective
Gap solution 1: Individual
Gap solution 2: Parental support
Gap solution 3: Teachers