I am not sure this has transferred into critical thinking skills to drive policies which level up society in a way I’d want to see. Yes, the tools are there for many people to achieve better livelihoods and increased salary/wealth, but I’m not sure we’ve educated people about practical and pragmatic thinking, real decision-making or empathy and concern for those less well off, we’ve provided an education heavy on learning and possibly not so heavy on thinking — in the main. At least this is my view looking at the fact that many societies are increasingly unequal, and you’d think this level of education would have possibly stemmed that tide.
I would argue that it is a matter of perspective. Over the long term, European societies show a U-shaped pattern: strongly unequal in the 19th century, much more equal in the mid-20th century, gradually becoming more unequal again since the 1980s.
And I would say the greatest growth of education is coming during the years from 1980 onwards, so corresponding with a growth in inequality in your “U” example.
I am not sure this has transferred into critical thinking skills to drive policies which level up society in a way I’d want to see. Yes, the tools are there for many people to achieve better livelihoods and increased salary/wealth, but I’m not sure we’ve educated people about practical and pragmatic thinking, real decision-making or empathy and concern for those less well off, we’ve provided an education heavy on learning and possibly not so heavy on thinking — in the main. At least this is my view looking at the fact that many societies are increasingly unequal, and you’d think this level of education would have possibly stemmed that tide.
I would argue that it is a matter of perspective. Over the long term, European societies show a U-shaped pattern: strongly unequal in the 19th century, much more equal in the mid-20th century, gradually becoming more unequal again since the 1980s.
Yes, corresponding to the Reagan and Thatcher brand of economics which deregulated much of what was keeping it equal.
And I would say the greatest growth of education is coming during the years from 1980 onwards, so corresponding with a growth in inequality in your “U” example.