Name & Identity
What does the chapter say a name really represents?
A name represents the parents background not the child’s future.
What is correlation?
When two things seem connected but one doesn’t cause the other.
What does socioeconomic status mean?
A family’s level of money, education, and social position.
Why do parents think names matter so much?
They believe a name will help their child succeed or be treated better.
What is a naming trend?
A name that becomes popular for a certain time.
True or false: A name decides a kid’s future.
False
What is causation?
When one thing actually makes another thing happen.
How does a family’s background affect the names they choose?
Families choose names that match their culture, income level, and education.
What does the chapter say actually matters more than a name?
The child’s home life, opportunities, and environment.
Why do some names become cool for a few years?
Because people copy what they hear in media or from others.
Why do some names become popular in certain groups?
Because people copy names they hear in their community or social group.
Why do people mix up correlation and causation?
Because they assume that if two things happen together
Why do higher‑income families start naming trends?
Because people look up to them and copy their choices.
Why do parents follow naming trends?
They want their child to fit in or seem modern.
What happens to a name once it becomes too popular?
Higher‑income families stop using it and move on to new names.
What is one reason parents choose unique names?
They want their child to stand out or seem special.
Give an example of correlation from the chapter.
Successful people often have certain names, but the name didn’t cause their success.
How does education level connect to naming choices?
More educated parents often choose names they think sound successful or modern.
How do parents try to give their kids an advantage through names?
By choosing names they think sound smart, classy, or successful.
Why do names move from rich families to poor families over time?
Because trends spread downward as more people start using the name.
How do names spread from one social group to another?
Higher income groups use a name first
Explain why a name being successful doesn’t mean it caused success.
Because the child’s background and opportunities matter more than the name itself.
Why do naming trends move from high‑income groups to low‑income groups over time?
Because once a name becomes popular, it spreads to other groups who want to follow the trend.
What does the chapter say about how much parents can really control their child’s future?
Parents can influence their child’s environment, but they can’t control everything about their future.
How do naming patterns show economic behavior?
They show how people make choices based on status.