THE EXPERIENCE OF BELONGING FROM A SOCIOECONOMIC LENS
world is not affluent by American capitalist standards , it is rich in culture , knowledge , and natural resources .
Even schools that claim to be socially progressive should be careful about praising choices that may be sustainable , without also discussing the privilege of being able to make those choices . For example , it is not uncommon to hear students talk about their sustainably sourced designer clothes , and being critical about less sustainable , less expensive options . It is not uncommon to hear students express themselves self-righteously about driving electric cars versus driving cars that use fossil fuels . When schools discuss socioeconomic diversity with their students , they can develop the necessary empathy for living in community , and help all students become engaged and thoughtful citizens .
“ When schools discuss socioeconomic diversity with their students , they can develop the necessary empathy for living in community , and help all students become engaged and thoughtful citizens .”
One response to help create a more inclusive community for students from low-income and working-class households is the creation of affinity spaces that speak to the experiences of these students . Two such groups at The Cambridge School of Weston are SOFA ( Students on Financial Aid ) and First-Gen ( First Generation ).
Students expressed a need for these spaces , and the school endorsed and supported the idea by providing space and guidance . In my 20 plus years of teaching , SOFA has been the first affinity group that I have seen created that explicitly names socioeconomic class as the point of affinity .
Initially , the founding members were hesitant to disclose their identity and kept the group private by not listing member names on school platforms . Over time , I have seen members become more open and confident talking about socioeconomic status , not only by disclosing their identities , but by asking for time at assemblies to present their group and raise awareness about their mission and purpose . In the students ’ own words , SOFA “ has brought together students on aid , proving that they are not alone , and has shown students paying full tuition that paying for private education is an immense privilege .”
Two years later , SOFA has become a visible presence on campus and a group that actively engages administrators in discussions about policies and practices to continue to improve
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CSEE Connections Summer 2023 Page 13