Social distance

Today, I learn a new phrase. Social distance and social mobility.

In a recent survey of students studying in top schools, 6 out of their 10 friends are in the same social circle as them, ie, live in landed property, family income way above median.

They probably had a head start in school, getting into top primary schools, staying in landed near top schools, investing in tuition and enrichment, or maybe alumni. I know of people staying in pasir ris, going all the way to amk to study.

So am I to blame if I did not invest enough resources to ensure that my children have a head start? Am I not a good parent? Is social status that important? I have many many questions I'm asking myself. Have I let my children down?

Once, I've benefitted through earning from giving tuition. I was happiest when I gave tuition at RC. The children there really needed it. I remembered one p5 boy who was failing his English. But after enrolling at the tuition classes at RC, he passé at EOY exam. He even got a good progress award. I remembered his father saying thank you to me. It was more than 10 years ago, but I could still remember.

I was also employed part time at an enrichment centre opposite parkway parade to conduct creative writing classes. Although all materials were provided for, I just need to deliver the lessons, but I wasn't happy teaching there. Because to most of the students, it was something extra for them, to improve their writing. I could sense the reluctance. Although it was a 1 hour 15 mins lesson , it felt very long for me every time I conduct a lesson.

In summary, my children will probably have difficulty in social mobility and will feel the social distance. Maybe they would blame me next time for not giving them the head start.