Literature Review
Sociological research indicates that the American faith in all of our dreams coming true is misguided. Talent and merit alone cannot predict an individual's future success. In fact, we are each inclined to live in conditions as adults which are similar to those in which we grew up; a decently capable individual from a wealthy family is more likely to live in a majestic palace as an adult than is someone who was born into a low-income household. We rely on and glorify stories which contradict this rule in a wish to feel in control of our own destinies. In reality, many Americans work strenuous, unfavorable jobs to make very small wages.
The college institution represents an American attempt to filter the influence or limitation of socioeconomic status on a talented individual's future. However, even with financial aid and scholarship programs, the playing field is not effectively leveled; many students struggle to pay college tuition, instead accumulating debt through loans and working on and off campus after class and on weekends. Breaks in the academic calendar, summer breaks in particular, provide an opportunity for these students to work and earn some spending money for the school year, or to use towards paying back some of their loan debt. However, the socioeconomic gap is reopened when only some students have the ability to opt for an internship during their summer break. Quality arts and entertainment internships, among others, are especially difficult to access and afford due to their cost and to the cost of living in their culturally rich metropolitan regions of the country. Internships, particularly in these industries, have transformed into an extreme luxury as students are lucky to come out even at the end of their summer internships. The internship has obtained its own tuition charges. It now costs to work. |