Post 5

Post 5: Primary Research Survey

Regarding the topic ‘classism in education’, I decided to conduct a survey over the past week in a half to help further my research and develop a better understanding of how the general population views the topic. The point of this random sample survey of 25 people, was to figure out other people’s perspective on the issue, whether they have experienced classism, heard of the issue of classism in education, or believe classism is either good or bad for our education system and the future success of our younger coming generations. During my Thanksgiving break I was able to go home and survey a random sample of 25 people of all ages and ethnicities. The survey consisted of several general questions to help me understand the people’s’ positions on the topic and if these people believed classism in education was an issue that needed to be talked about. By surveying a random sample of 25 people of all ages and race with very general questions, I was able to conduct a successful unbiased survey on my topic of ‘classism in education’.

I started the survey off with the general question, ‘Have you heard of classism and the implementation of classism in our education systems?’ About 95 percent of people said they have heard of classism and the implementation of classism in our education. The 5 percent who did not know what classism was or know of the implementation of classism in our education system were all under the age 16. In the survey, I followed it up with a second question which was, ‘Is classism an issue in our education system that we must address?’ Over 85 percent of the people surveyed said classism was an issue in our education system that we must address. The 15 percent of people surveyed that believed classism was not an issue in our education system were of the ages, 16 and under and 60 years or older. This question was then followed up by a simple short question of ‘Is Classism causing more harm than good?’ About 97 percent of people believed classism causes more harm than good as the other 3 percent have not heard of the idea classism before. To conclude the survey a final follow up question was asked which was ‘Have you or someone you know been affected by the implementation of classism in our education systems?’ A question like this resulted in 75 percent of the people explaining how they themselves, a loved one or a friend has been affected negatively by classism in education due to the restriction of opportunities they were presented with. This survey gave me a clear understanding and broader perspective on how classism is as big of a deal as I thought and that it has affected people of all generations and all ethnic backgrounds. Although age did play a bias in this survey as their age determined whether the person has heard of the idea of classism or not and how classism was used in the past for those of older generations. I believe the final question I asked during the survey explains it all, over 75 percent of the 25 people surveyed have experienced the hardships that classism presents by restricting them of opportunities that those of higher social class recieve.

In conclusion the social issue, classism in education is still a very relevant issue in today’s education system as over 75 percent of 25 people have either experienced classism in their education, or have witnessed a friend or loved one be affected by the restrictions classism puts on their educational opportunities. This survey was conducted in my hometown, Huntington Beach, a middle working class city with a low poverty rate. I believe if this survey was conducted in a larger city with a higher poverty rate, the results of the survey would be higher as more less fortunate people would be victim to classism and its restrictions. But with the high results I did get from the survey, I was able to conclude and come to the understanding that classism affects people of all ages and race, not only in education but also in the workforce and other financial opportunities. Classism needs to be destroyed before it destroys us and our future, as classism continues to restrict those of a less fortunate background from moving up the financial ladder and bettering themselves.