Every era has its own unique imprint. The Great Depression, an economic storm that swept the world, not only changed the economic landscape of the world, but also profoundly affected the life trajectory of that generation. Professor Elder's book "Children of the Great Depression" is such a masterpiece with scientific rigor, which deeply analyzes how the children in the context of that era walked out of their own life paths.
1. The imprint of the Great Depression era
The Great Depression, one of the worst economic crises of the 20th century, brought an unprecedented shock to society at that time. Countless families have been impoverished, and social classes have changed dramatically. In this context, children born during the Great Depression became witnesses and participants in that period of history. Through a follow-up study of 167 children, Professor Elder mapped out their different life curves and told how these children struggled and grew up in difficult situations.
2. The fate curve of different classes
In The Children of the Great Depression, Professor Elder divides children into four groups based on their origins and economic losses. These four groups represent middle-class damaged households, middle-class undamaged households, working-class damaged families, and working-class undamaged households, respectively.
Children of middle-class families who once enjoyed a good life, but with the economic recession, their family wealth is rapidly shrinking, and they have to face sudden poverty and stress. The children of undamaged middle-class families are relatively fortunate to avoid this fate, and they still enjoy a stable life and a good education. The children of the damaged families of the working class and the undamaged families of the working class have felt more profound poverty and hardship in the economic turmoil.
3. The Great Depression shaped children's values and outlook on life
Professor Elder has found that children who do well in recessions tend to have stronger independence and self-esteem. They are able to remain calm and optimistic in difficult situations, and face life's challenges positively.
And those children who have experienced poverty and hardship in the economic recession tend to value the warmth of family and the harmony of interpersonal relationships more; Children who survive a recession are likely to be more focused on personal achievement and material comfort.
The book "Children of the Great Depression" presents us with a real historical picture of the Great Depression with very detailed survey data and historical data. It shows us that under the economic storm, children can still bravely face difficulties and grow into pillars of society. It also made me deeply enlightened: no matter at all times, we need to cherish the warmth of family and the harmony of interpersonal relationships, and we need to cultivate children's independence, only in this way can children better cope with future challenges and opportunities.