There are distinct differnces in socioeconomic upbringing, that inevitably influence the choices that we make. Take for example, one child brought up whose family income is $350,000 per year. The choices in this example, are not dictated by money as much as consumption and values. If your family income is $30,000 per year and you have two siblings and a single parent, life's choices are much different along with the child's perspective of consumption. The privileged child, would often have parents who are philanthropic and teach the child the value in giving back to the community through charitable donations and community service. The lesser privileged family typically will focus on what can be leveraged, to maximize opportunity for their children, in effort to give the appearance of being 'middle-class.' The class structure brings a mindset or psychological value to their children in the form of socioeconomic status. The children who move up the socioeconomic ladder from middle to upper class (or lower to middle) will generally have drive to do whats best for them financially in order to not fall into the same trap that plagued their parents. This may involve minimizing opportunities in areas such as teaching and public service, both of which are admirable professions. The marginal value of each dollar earned is inherently more expensive to those on the lower end of the socioeconomic spectrum. This leads to less charity as they move up the ladder. For children with more privilege, the marginal value of every dollar may be worth less (to themselves), given there status in society is more secure. The financial security provided by family is embedded in their psychological decisions, with few concerns of dropping out of the top 10%. With the former, an insecure social safety net will tend to favor less charity -- they do not have wealthy families to fall back on. The case for contributing to charity is obvious -- those who have more ought to contribute more for the greater good of society. Moreover, the socioeconomic status of one's family will generally have a profound effect on charitable contributions-- those who feel their status in society is secure will donate more.
