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She recalls a starkly different reality when her mother was 32 years old in 1998. Her parents, despite not holding prestigious positions, managed to maintain a stable middle-class life. They owned a home, had the capability to send both of their children to private school, and were able to enjoy family outings, like Friday pizza nights. The narrative suggests a vision of prosperity that feels out of reach for her current family.
A Shift in Economic Conditions
The mother’s reflection serves as a critique of the changing economic landscape. Where her parents thrived on modest incomes, she struggles despite her husband working a blue-collar job. The current family lacks the safety nets that previous generations might have had, including social programs and familial support.