Ain’t No Makin’ It: Leveled Aspirations in a Low-Income Neighborhood

Abstract

In articulating one's aspirations, an individual weighs his or her preferences more heavily; expectations are tempered by perceived capabilities and available opportunities. The definitions of aspirations and expectations given suggest that an assessment of the opportunity structure and of one's capabilities impinge on one's preferences for the future. The Hallway Hangers often draw attention to specific incidents that support their general and vague feelings of hopelessness and of the futility of nurturing aspirations or high expectations. Almost all of the Hallway Hangers have at least supplemented their income from earnings in the burgeoning, multibillion-dollar drug market. Their personal experience on the job market and the experiences of their family members and their neighbors have taught the Hallway Hangers that the job market does not necessarily reward talent or effort.