ABSTRACT
This qualitative study examines the links between early recollections, self and others, and low socioeconomic class. Early recollections-specific memories from childhood-illustrate individuals' core concepts about self and life. Social class is a cultural context that affects psychological processes. We conducted semistructured interviews with 12 low socioeconomic status participants and elicited at least 3 early recollections per participant (totaling 42 recollections). Themes that emerged from analysis of the early recollections include divided reality; creating meaning in the present (including enjoying life and making do with what one has); a parental role of admiration, security, and compensation; and social interest. We regard these strategies as creative assets and mechanisms to deal with a lack of control and resources, sense of constraint, and hierarchical and classed society. We encourage educational and therapeutic frameworks to recognize these assets as facets of psychological and cultural capital.
