This is a picture of my daughters’ school backpacks. It was taken on the front step of our house. It represents both the comfort and the underlying insecurity of growing up middle class. Comfort because parents can afford to provide their children with everything they need to thrive, insecurity because their children will have to make it in the world on their own merits and abilities without the cushion of wealth. The harder the children work in school and the more they achieve there, the greater their chances of making a life for themselves as adults.
Stories You Might Like
Marketplace is on a mission.
We believe Main Street matters as much as Wall Street, economic news is made relevant and real through human stories, and a touch of humor helps enliven topics you might typically find…well, dull.
Through the signature style that only Marketplace can deliver, we’re on a mission to raise the economic intelligence of the country—but we don’t do it alone. We count on listeners and readers like you to keep this public service free and accessible to all. Will you become a partner in our mission today?
