The United States is the land of opportunity but we will most likely never achieve social equality, which will always be a problem for lower class people. I think it is harder for lower class children to succeed in school as they have to learn how to fit in with the middle class and middle class social norms in addition to getting their diploma or degree. I believe Jay MacLeod did a great job of explaining his theories with his research findings. My views on how to achieve success in life are very traditional, but reading this book makes me realize that there is a completely different world in "projects". I always thought it was that individual's fault for not getting out of the plans and choosing to live that kind of life. MacLeod's findings and the interviews with the kids made me understand that this is not the case. Now I see that social inequalities make social mobility very difficult