As children, we are always asked the question, “What do you want to be when you grow up?” Depending on the parents' interest, children's responses vary greatly. If they come from a family of lawyers, the child will most likely say that he would like to be a lawyer. If they come from a family where no one graduated from high school, the child will most likely say that he would like to be a truck driver. The background and status of the parents would determine the future aspirations of the children. Social stratification determines a child's outlook on his future career and education. A study conducted by Jay MacLeod explored the ambitions of a group of kids. MacLeod explains that society proclaims that any child can grow up to be president, but inequality in the education system is different. MacLeod says there is a strong relationship between aspirations and employment outcomes. Macleod further explains that “because aspirations mediate what an individual wants and what society can offer, these children's hopes are inextricably linked to their evaluation of the opportunities available to them” (MacLeod). The inequality of opportunities for them is what hinders most children's ambitions. Over the past two decades, the economic gap has widened. This gap certainly greatly affects the future of children. “The advantages and disadvantages that people inherit from their parents, the resources that their friends can share with them, the quantity and quality of their education, and even the historical era in which they are born, stimulate some and restrain others” (Fischer ). But most importantly, the single factor that contributes to the inequality children face is their education system. Their education... middle of paper... etc. Why inequality? Great Divides: Readings on Social Inequality in the United States. (2005). New York: McGraw-Hill.MacLeod, J. Social Immobility in the Land of Opportunity. Great Divides: Readings on Social Inequality in the United States. (2005). New York: McGraw-Hill.Keister, LA Wealth in America: Trends in Wealth Inequality. Great Divides: Readings on Social Inequality in the United States. (2005). New York: McGraw-Hill.Levy, F. Half a Century of Incomes. Great Divides: Readings on Social Inequality in the United States. (2005). New York: McGraw-Hill.Turner, R.H. Sponsored and Contest Mobility and the School System. Great Divides: Readings on Social Inequality in the United States. (2005). New York: McGraw-Hill. Weber, M. Class, Status, Party. Great Divides: Readings on Social Inequality in the United States. (2005). New York: McGraw-Hill.