In a recent discussion on higher education, someone posted a link to a RollingStone article (which I'm unable to find at the moment) that made a point that I think relates to what you're saying. In the early 80s, there was a fundamental shift in the way education was viewed in this country. Prior to this time period, education was something that was primarily intended as a benefit for society and government provided most of the funding with that understanding. After that time period, the perspective changed to one where an individual was investing in his or her future. Grants started to turn into loans and tuitions rose based on the future payouts that college graduates could expect when compared to less educated workforce.
And I think that new point of view is manifest in your observation. When one views an educated populace as a benefit to society, the kind of continuing education that you mention makes sense. When you take that more individualistic perspective, education that does not produce a monetary return on investment isn't valued and will be harder to come by. The actual education is of secondary concern to the degree that will increase your compensation going forward.
And I think that new point of view is manifest in your observation. When one views an educated populace as a benefit to society, the kind of continuing education that you mention makes sense. When you take that more individualistic perspective, education that does not produce a monetary return on investment isn't valued and will be harder to come by. The actual education is of secondary concern to the degree that will increase your compensation going forward.