I count it as a blessing that I've never experienced many stressors as a child. I don't know if my parents hid a lot of things from me to make me think that I was living the good life, however, I do know that I was very blessed growing up and didn't even realize it.
Japan
After years of stagnation and widening income disparities, this once proudly egalitarian nation is belated waking up to the fact that it has a large and growing number of poor people (Fackler, 2010). In 2007 at least 20 million Japanese people lived in poverty. Over half of the impoverished are single mothers but because of their culture and them being afraid that they would be labeled most impoverished families try to keep up with the appearance of middle class Japanese families. 1 in 7 children in Japan is living in poverty and the government supplies aid to those children but by doing this education funds cost have to be cut. Which starts a cycle of children being under-education which impacts all areas of development and it gives them a lifetime of low-wage work which could be a domino effect in families which will keep them in poverty their entire lives. The poverty that families, including single families are subject to isolates them from the public view and even family members. Children don't receive the education that they receives which affects their development, they stay out of public view which can also affect their development especially their social development.
Reference
The New York Times-Asia Pacific-Japan Tries to Face Up to Growing Poverty Problem (Fackler, 2010)
http://www.nytimes.com
Hello Latarsha,
ReplyDeleteI was just thinking the same thing.......I never experienced in major stressors as a child either when I was growing up. As you stated, it is possible that my parents could have kept or hid these type of things from me, However, if they did, I am glad I didn't have to experience these things.
I enjoyed reading your post and it's sad to hear what the people go through living in Japan. I actually met a friend from China. She came to live in California her family came down actually came running from China. There illegal here but they came to have a better life in California. She told me that they have to hide their religion. They are Christians and when they would go to church they had to hide their bibles and the church was underground hidden. I felt so bad when she was telling me her life in China. She told me she feels so happy here in California she feels free and she can breath without having fear inside her. Great post!!
ReplyDeleteHi Latarsha,
ReplyDeleteI find it interesting that there are many stressors for children in developed nations. As early childhood professionals we need to be aware that like the Japanese mothers, poor people sometimes hide their poverty.
Interesting Post!
Liz Thomas
Wow Latarsha, I actually never knew Japan was in poverty. It is crazy to think about 20 million people being in poverty, but I'm sure we have probably more. It's interesting that they isolate themselves in that country, you would think you would try and reach out and get help.
ReplyDelete