Summary Of Rigging The Game

When reading Rigging the Game By Michael Schwalbe, I knew there are many social and structural inequalities with our society, but I never really understood how these inequalities affect society. Schwalbe discuss the different kinds of capitals human, social, and cultural (10). He describes human capital as “…credentials, skills, and work experience” (10). If you were born in an environment that possessed no work ethic or capitalized on your individual skills (uniqueness), the road to success could be difficult to almost impossible for success to be a achieved. I am fortunate enough that I came from a family who supported and embraced my uniqueness and education, but many individuals are automatically labeled as “unteachable” because of the environment
In addition to human capital Schwalbe describes cultural capital. Cultural capital is like human capital except everyone is affected by cultural capital (11). For example, when I moved to California and was apply for jobs, I found it very difficult to fit the molded in which employers wanted. The city we lived was very diverse, and I stuck out like a sore thumb with my blonde hair and pale skin. Also, I do not speak Spanish, which played a major role in my job success. I applied for a job as a teller at a local bank because I was a teller for over three years before I moved. At the same time, my friend applied for the same job with no experience but she spoke Spanish and was from there. Neatness to say, my banking skills meant nothing. My friend got the job. I can see how cultural capital can play a big role in the fight to get ahead. Therefore, I did not fit the cultural molded that small town wanted. Also, Schwalbe describes social capital as “network connections” (12). I have experienced this here in Idaho. Most of my jobs here were because I knew someone or by friends who knew employers, but I can see how advancement in a career is in who you