“Psychologists called it ‘learned helplessness’ when a person believes, as I did during my youth, that the choices I made had no effect on the outcomes in my life,” (237). J.D. Vance’s memoir, Hillybilly Elegy, focuses on social development and issues pertaining to his family and the society in which he grew up in. His writing focuses on chronological events from his childhood up into adulthood, each life stage sharing a similar situation; an undependable mother, a guiding grandmother (Mamaw) and a supportive sister (Lindsey). Despite the shortcomings throughout his childhood, Vance redirected his life course for betterment. With aid from the Marine Corps, he discovered willpower and pursued what others labeled the impossible: an elite education from Yale University.
…show more content…
Social mobility refers to one’s placement from one class to another over time. In Vance’s case, he grew up within a working-class family where his mother was uneconomical and his father (figures) were inconsistent. Once he graduated high school, Vance joined the Marine Corps mainly due to fear of alternative options: college or nothing. After his service, he pursued an education through Ohio State University and then eventually Yale Law School. This ultimately contributed to his upward social mobility. Vance associated with wealthier people and experiences as he continued his profession in law. As quoted in Hillbilly Elegy, “I knew that kids like me weren’t supposed to get this far, and I congratulated myself for having beaten the odds,” (320). In a society similar to the United States, upward social mobility is uncommon for those born on the bottom of the income ladder. So for Vance to start at the bottom and reach a much higher level of the income ladder indicates it may improbable but is certainly not
Social mobility refers to one’s placement from one class to another over time. In Vance’s case, he grew up within a working-class family where his mother was uneconomical and his father (figures) were inconsistent. Once he graduated high school, Vance joined the Marine Corps mainly due to fear of alternative options: college or nothing. After his service, he pursued an education through Ohio State University and then eventually Yale Law School. This ultimately contributed to his upward social mobility. Vance associated with wealthier people and experiences as he continued his profession in law. As quoted in Hillbilly Elegy, “I knew that kids like me weren’t supposed to get this far, and I congratulated myself for having beaten the odds,” (320). In a society similar to the United States, upward social mobility is uncommon for those born on the bottom of the income ladder. So for Vance to start at the bottom and reach a much higher level of the income ladder indicates it may improbable but is certainly not